The impact of covid-19 pandemic on the access and utilization of family planning services among adolescents in Gombe Parish Wakiso District.

Abstract

Background Uganda has one of the youngest populations in the world, with 78% of people younger than 30 and half younger than 15(UBOS,2016; IYF,2011). This means that over the coming years, a growing proportion of the population will be sexually active and of reproductive age. (Makumbi et al.,2021). However, adolescents do not utilize the family planning services despite having knowledge about them. Therefore, this study aimed at examining the impact of covid-19 pandemic on the access and utilization of family planning services among adolescents in Gombe parish Wakiso district. Objectives The specific objectives included. To describe the pattern of utilization of family planning services among the adolescents, To describe the available family planning services in Wakiso district, To examine the barriers affecting the accessibility of the family planning services among the adolescents in Wakiso district, Assess the influence of covid-19 on the access and utilization of family planning services among adolescents, To describe the influence of demographic characteristics of adolescents on access and utilization of family planning services. Methods The study adopted a qualitative research approach to interview 20 adolescents 12 men and 8 women between the age of 18-24. 2 key informants were interviewed both health workers at Evelyn drug shop. Data was analyzed and findings presented under subthemes. Findings The study found out that the adolescents are knowledgeable about the different family planning services which were condoms, contraceptive pills, implants, injectables, vaginal rings, condoms, withdrawal which most of them confessed to using. Conclusions And Recommendations The study recommended that; the government of Uganda should provide all the Family Planning methods at all levels of health facilities free of charge