Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding modern contraceptive uptake among women aged 18 to 49 years in Namuwongo Slum, Kampala District

Abstract

Introduction: Despite the many forms of modern methods of contraception which are available today and the different strategies implemented by the Ministry of Health to address the availability of modern contraception, uptake is still low among the women of a reproductive age. General objective: This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding modern contraceptive methods uptake among adult women aged 18 to 49 years in Namuwongo slum, Kampala district. Methodology: A descriptive cross-section study was carried out in Namuwongo slum using both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. Semi-structured questionnaires and key informant interview guides were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Quantitative data was collected from 362 randomly selected participants and 4 purposively selected key informants that include; 2 health workers and 2 religious’ leaders. Quantitative data was analyzed using stata version 13 software where, descriptive statistics were run to obtain frequencies and percentages together with statistical results of central tendency. Qualitative data was transcribed verbatim and codes were developed manually which were thereafter grouped into categories and then themes identified and synthesized. These were included in the final report as qualitative findings. Results: A total of 362 women and 4 key informants participated in the study, majority of the respondents were of aged 18-25 years and of the, catholic religion (31.22%). Majority of the participants (87%) had perceived knowledge of modern contraceptives among whom 85% having high knowledge. The health care facilities were the major source of information (71.52%). Nearly half (49%) of the respondents had positive attitude towards contraceptive uptake. Over 51% were currently using modern contraceptives. Injectable (51.41%) and implant (35.59%) were the commonest methods being used. Those who were not using were either pregnant or having baby at the time of data collection. Conclusion: In this community contraceptive uptake is relatively low and contraceptive sensitization is one of the initiatives that could improve uptake.