The role of mass media in promoting family planning awareness in Rwimi Sub-County, Bunyagabu, District

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the role of mass media in promoting family planning awareness in Rwimi Sub- County in Bunyagabu District. The study, specifically, aimed to: explore the role of mass media on people’s awareness of modern family planning methods, and to find out the influence of mass media on utilization of family planning methods attributed to mass media in Rwimi Sub- County. The study used a cross-sectional research design employing both qualitative and quantitative research methods. The study covered 64 male respondents and females of reproductive age group (15-49). Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interview guides; for quantitative and qualitative data respectively. The study findings revealed a number of mass media sources that were used to promote awareness of family planning in Rwimi Sub-county. These include radio, television, and the print media such as newspapers. The study further highlights that 96 percent of the respondents are aware of the different family planning methods and the most common sources of information was radio, television, and health workers/village health teams. Finally, the study recommended the needthe study recommends the need to convey family planning information through music and entertainment because most people listen to entertainment and music programmes. In this way the information can reach as many people as possible. Government and other stakeholders should consider introducing family methods that specifically target the male population for instance introducing contraceptive pills for men this will make it easier for men to get involved in family planning discourse.