Uptake of modern contraceptive methods among women of reproductive age (18-45) at Chake District-Pemba Tanzania

Abstract

Abstract Background: The uptake of the modern contraceptive method provides chances for women and couples to reach optimal child spacing, achieve the desired family size and prevent unsafe abortions and maternal deaths. Despite the effort taken to improve the uptake of modern contraceptives, still, prevalence rate (CPR) in Zanzibar remains low (9.1%). In Pemba, few studies have been done on modern contraceptive uptake and little is known about factors that hinder the uptake of modern contraceptives among women of reproductive age. This study investigated the uptake of modern contraceptive methods among women of reproductive age (18-45) and its associated factors. Methods: This was a quantitative cross-sectional study conducted in Chake District Hospital, Pemba Tanzania. A stratified random sampling technique was used to recruit 214 eligible participants for the study. After we informed the participants, data were collected using a structured English questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 25, descriptive analysis was done to determine frequencies. A chi-square test was done to determine the association between the study variables and multivariate logistic regression to check the nature and strength of the association. The p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: This study included 214 women of with majority 79(36.9%) at the age group of 21-30 years, 100(46.7%) had secondary education and 187(87.4%) married. Most of the participants 212(99.1%) have heard about modern contraceptives, with health professionals 191(43.5) being the common source of information. More than half 120(56.1%) of the participants were not using any modern contraceptive method and injectable 38(17.8%) was the commonly reported method among users. Among the users of modern contraceptives reported that self-motivation 47(47.5%) is the midst drive while lack of power to decide 180(84%), fear of divorce 141(66%), and social perception of users as the cause of reduced workforce in future 160(75%) were common barriers. Participants provided suggestions to improve modern contraceptive uptake including male involvement 203(95%) and community awareness 182(85%). Further analysis revealed women with college/university education were 2 times more likely to use modern contraceptives method compare to those with primary or not attended school(p=0.023, OR=2.437, 95% CI: 1.129-5.259). Moreover employed women were 2 times more likely to uptake modern contraceptives uptake compared to unemployed/housewives (p=0.028, OR=1.844, CI=1.068-3.185). Conclusion: Despite the campaigns and women having awareness of modern contraceptives, still its uptake remains low in Chake district Pemba. Lack of power to decide, fear of divorce, and social perception of users as the cause of reduced workforce in the future were common barriers; male involvement and community engagement in awareness were suggestions to increase modern contraceptive uptake.