Barriers to adoption of family planning among women in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Mathe, J.K.; Kasonia, K.K.; Maliro, A.K.
African Journal of Reproductive Health 15(1): 69-77
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 1118-4841 PMID: 21987940 DOI: 10.2307/41329777Document Number: 217709
The objectives of this survey were to identify women's level of KAP toward FP; identify possible barriers to using FP; determine pregnancy spacing pattern; and ascertain the level of FP promotion by health workers. This was a 2-weeks cross-sectional survey at all maternity units in Butembo of post-partum women. 572 women were interviewed. FP knowledge was high (76%), perception good (80%). Majority used traditional methods (65%), mostly Calendar method (72%). Barriers to using modern FP included lack of knowledge, fear of side effects, religious considerations and husband opposition. Unmet need for spacing and limiting was high (21 & 31%). For majority (56%), pregnancy spacing met WHO's Healthy Timing and Spacing of Pregnancy recommendations. Promotion of FP was poor (42%). Training of health workers, advocating modern contraception, improving FP services in all public health facilities and promoting FP on each contact of women is highly recommended in this city.