Unraveling the Intersection of Socio-Economic Dynamics and Family Planning Accessibility: Insights from Women of Reproductive Age in Kween District, Eastern Uganda

Abstract

The provision and utilization of Family Planning (FP) services play a pivotal role in not only safeguarding women's health but also significantly enhancing the overall well-being of their partners, children, and the wider societal fabric. Studies have estimated that optimizing FP services could potentially save 32% of maternal lives and 10% of child lives. In light of these critical implications, this research delves into the multifaceted factors hindering women's access to Family Planning Services within the precincts of the Kween district. Employing a cross-sectional descriptive study design, this investigation focuses on women aged between 18-49 years. Data collection involved survey questionnaires administered to a strategically sampled group of 40 women. The quantitative data underwent meticulous analysis utilizing SPSS version 20, while qualitative data was subjected to content and thematic analysis, presenting findings in a verbatim format. The study revealed that while 47.5% of women were utilizing modern FP methods, encompassing pills, implants, and injectables, there existed a notable unmet contraceptive need of 25%, coupled with a 22.5% contraceptive discontinuation rate. The primary deterrent to accessing modern FP methods stemmed from acceptability issues entrenched in prevailing myths, notably the erroneous beliefs associating Family Planning with infertility and the culturally unfavorable birth of twins. Moreover, the discontinuation of modern FP methods predominantly stemmed from reported side effects such as excessive bleeding, backaches, and headaches. Additionally, the research underscored a correlation between the utilization of modern FP methods, women's educational attainment, and demographic factors like the number of living male children and participation in polygamous marriages. Intriguingly, religious affiliations had a limited impact on FP method utilization, as women demonstrated a tendency to contravene religious doctrines to access FP services despite religious opposition. This study illuminates critical barriers obstructing women's access to and sustained use of modern FP methods in the Kween district, emphasizing the urgency for tailored interventions addressing socio-cultural misconceptions, side-effect management, and demographic sensitivities to foster more inclusive and effective FP service delivery in similar contexts. Keywords: Family Planning, Contraceptives, Injectables, Implants.