Contraceptive practices among women of reproductive age in Mbeya, Tanzania

Background: Non-utilisation of contraceptive contribute to unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions, which are major public health problems in Tanzania and sub-Saharan Africa. Our study investigated contributing factors and contraceptive use practices among women of reproductive age in Mbeya, Tanzania. Methods: A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on women attending reproductive and child health clinics. Data obtained included participants’ age, education and other demographic characteristics. Awareness of family planning methods, use, attitudes, advocacy and practices were also recorded. A χ2 test was used to examine the association between selected variables.  Results: A total of 217 respondents participated in the study, of which the majority were between the ages of 21 and 26 (mean age = 26.96, standard deviation = 1.37). The majority of the respondents, 157 (72.4%) were married with mostly 1-2 children and had a primary school education or without formal education, 155 (71.4%).  191 (88.0%) respondents had heard about at least one contraceptive for family planning. Injectable was the most known method of family planning, as reported by 158 (72.8%) participants. Awareness about family planning methods and use was significantly associated with educational level (χ2 = 43.01, p = 0.0002). Conclusion: Our study shows awareness and willingness to use family planning methods in Mbeya. Hence, it promotes a better life for families. However, more studies are needed to thoroughly investigate the various reasons affecting some non-utilisation of family planning and how these can be addressed.