Relationship between reproductive health services and fertility preferences in Uganda

Abstract

This abstract focuses on understanding fertility preferences in Uganda. The study explores the factors influencing individuals desire for having children or limiting their family size in context of Uganda’s society, as a developing country with a rapid population growth rate, Uganda faces challenges related with family planning, reproductive health and sustainable population growth. This research employs a mixed method approach, combining quantitative surveys, qualitative interviews to gather a comprehensive understanding of fertility preferences. The quantitative components include collecting data from a representative sample of individuals of reproductive age across different regions in Uganda. The questions included family planning methods, ideal family size, reasons behind these preferences, income status education levels to mention but a few. Additional qualitative research is conducted with a subset of surveys respondents to delve deeper into attitudes, beliefs and culture influencing fertility preferences. Th research aims to capture the nuances and contextual factors affecting individuals’ decisions regarding fertility planning reproductive choices. Preliminary findings suggest that fertility preferences in Uganda are influenced by a range of factors including cultural norms, social economic factors, education, health services, gender dynamics. Furthermore, the study uncovers the roles of information and awareness about contraceptive use and its availability into shaping family size in Uganda. Understanding fertility preferences in Uganda is crucial in policy designing and interventions to support reproductive health services and family planning programs. By identifying the determinants of fertility preferences, this research can contribute to the development of the targeted strategies to address the country’s population challenges. Overall investigating fertility preferences in Uganda provides insights into the complex dynamics influencing individuals’ decisions and aspirations regarding family size, by shedding light on these factors, this study can inform evidence-based interventions that promote reproductive health empower individual’s and contribute to the sustainable population management in Uganda.