Enhancing Contraceptive Utilization among Women of Reproductive Age (15-49 Years) in Hoima Regional Referral Hospital: A Comprehensive Analysis

Akello Flavia

Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry Kampala International University Western Campus Uganda

ABSTRACT

According to the 2015 WHO Family Planning report, approximately 225 million women in developing countries express a desire to delay or cease childbearing but do not utilize any contraceptive methods. This study aimed to identify the factors influencing contraceptive utilization among women aged 15-49 accessing healthcare services at the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) outpatient department of Hoima Regional Referral Hospital (HRRH) in the Bunyoro Region. The research adopted a hospital-based cross-sectional design, enrolling mothers attending antenatal, immunization, and family planning clinics at HRRH from April 2021 to May 2021. A total of 113 participants were selected via simple random sampling. Data collection involved both open and closed-ended questionnaires administered through face-to-face interviews, covering topics such as knowledge, socio-demographic characteristics, and utilized family planning methods. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 16. The median age group was 20-24 years (33.7%), followed by 25-29 years (24.8%), with the lowest representation in the 40-44 age group (2%). The majority of participants had completed primary education (56%), followed by secondary education (19%), while only 10% had no formal education. Overall, participants exhibited satisfactory knowledge regarding family planning. Injectable contraceptives were the most commonly used method (45.5%), followed by implants (6.9%) and pills (5.0%), with intrauterine devices (IUDs) being the least utilized (2.0%). Women aged 20-29 years demonstrated a higher likelihood of contraceptive usage compared to those aged 45-49 years. Education emerged as a significant determinant of contraceptive utilization.

Keywords: Family Planning, Contraception, Childbearing, Women, Unintended pregnancy.

CITE AS: Akello Flavia (2024). Enhancing Contraceptive Utilization among Women of Reproductive Age (15-49 Years) in Hoima Regional Referral Hospital: A Comprehensive Analysis. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN MEDICAL SCIENCES, 5(1):68-78. https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJRMS/2024/68.7857.1400