Factors influencing contraceptive use among women aged 15-49 years in Central Uganda

Abstract

Over the years, it is believed that family planning programs through promoting the use of contraceptives have played an important role in reducing fertility and its negative effects on health and development. Despite the steady increase in the CPR (34%), The Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UBOS and ICF, 2017) progress report shows that the unmet need for contraception in Uganda is at 28.4% (CF, 2016) indicating that not all women who want to avoid getting pregnant use modern and effective contraceptive methods. The main objective of the study is to find out the community and individual factors influencing modern contraceptive use among women of reproductive age (15-49) in central Uganda. Data was analyzed using SPSS Analysis tool and analysis was done at these levels namely; Univariate and Bivariate Analysis and multivariate. At the Univariate level, simple descriptive statistics of the respondents were done. The largest proportion of respondents (52.0 percent) were from rural areas and only 48.0 percent were urban dwellers. The percentage of women who ever used contraceptives varied significantly P=0.001 by wealth status of the respondents. It was highest (66.4 percent) among rich households, 65.6 percent middle then 58.8 percent among poor households. However, differentials by region (P=0.088), use of the internet (P=0.701) and the number of unions (P=0.493) insignificantly varied with the ever use of contraceptive. This study focused on women of reproductive ages in Central Uganda. The majority were between 20-24 years and constituted of 23 percent. Most of the respondents were Catholics 34.9%, had attained primary education (43.1%) and were either married or living together (54.8%). Women empowerment is one of the most important measures that can be investigated to increase contraceptive use among women. This can be done through promoting girl child education.