Use of contraceptives methods among women in stable marital relations attending health facilities in Kahama district, Shinyanga region, Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Kahama district in Shinyanga region has Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) of 16%, which is far below the national average of 27%. Little is known on factors contributing to the low level of utilization of contraceptives in Kahama district, and particularly among women in stable marital relations. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of current use of contraceptive methods among women in stable marital relations attending health facilities; describe the types of contraceptive methods used among women in stable marital relations attending health facilities; assess socio-cultural factors (beliefs including religious, husband’s approval, and spouse communication) in relation to use of contraceptive methods among women in stable marital relations attending health facilities; determine the association between socio–demographic factors (age, occupation, education level, access, number of children) and use of contraceptive methods among women in stable marital relations attending health facilities. Methods: A cross-sectional study on contraceptive methods use was conducted among 314 women and 20 service providers in ten wards from ten health facilities. Data were collected using structured and in-depth interview questionnaires. Information gathered included socio-demographic, socio – cultural characteristics, accessibility of contraceptive methods, current use and access to information. Results: Thirty five percent of women in stable marital relations reported to be using contraceptive methods. Highest (58%) use of contraceptives was reported among women in formal employment. Factors found to be significantly associated with contraceptive use were: education level, occupation, traditional cultural beliefs, and support from husband/partners and access to information while religion, decision maker on desired number of children in the family were not found to be significantly associated with the use of contraceptive methods. Conclusion: Prevalence of contraceptive use among women in stable marital relations is 34.5% than that in the general population of women with the age of 15 -49 years inKahama district (16%, 2011 district report). Socio-demographic factors like education level and occupation were found to influence the use of contraceptive methods among women in stable marital relations. Moreover, socio-cultural factors like religious beliefs and husband/partner support were also crucial in influencing the use of contraceptive methods. Recommendations: District Health Management teams should develop interventions that will enable women in stable marital relations to understand the importance of using contraceptive methods. Since this study did not involve men, further studies are needed to determine the extent of use of contraceptive methods among men and associated factors.