Access to Communication Channels and Use of Family Planning among Women in Tanzania: Spatial and Socio-demographic Analysis

Zuena Kilugwe,Sosthenes Ruheza

doi:10.22610/jsds.v9i3.2477

Abstract

This study examined the relations and access to communication channels on the use of Family Planning (FP). Relationships between independent variables including access to communication channels and the use of FP services, and demographic characteristics were examined. This study used cross-sectional data from the Tanzania Demographic Health Survey and Malaria Indicator Survey (TDHS-MIS) of 2015-2016 from 11,127 women aged between 15-49 years. The sample was weighted to ensure representativeness. Univariate, bivariate and binary logistic regression analyses were used. Results in this study revealed a statically significant correlation between access to FP messages and use of family planning services (p<.001). Access to radio, television, printed media, and mobile phones was observed more among women who were never in a union, those with tertiary education, women in urban areas and among those within a high wealth index. Use of FP services increased with the fluency of access to FP messages. Printed media predicted more likelihood in the use of FP at 0.460, p<0.001; radio at 0.368, p<0.001; health facilities at 0.284, p<0.001 and education level at 0.276, p<0.001. The study concludes that despite the fact that there was a correlation between access to FP messages and the use of FP, the use or not use of the same is also influenced by factors.

Highlights

Fertility and projected population growth rates are significantly high in sub-Saharan Africa (World Health Organization, 2011 cited by Oseko, 2013)
The findings indicated that only 42% (918) of the women with no formal education had access to Family Planning (FP) messages
The paper set to examine the relationship between accesses to communication channels on the use of FP among women aged 14-49 years; how the exposure to FP messages and women’s demographic characteristics affect the use of FP

Summary

Introduction

Fertility and projected population growth rates are significantly high in sub-Saharan Africa (World Health Organization, 2011 cited by Oseko, 2013). High population growth rate is a major international concern because it has the potential to hinder attainment of health and other development goals in the region (Cleland et al, 2006 cited by Nettey et al, 2015). In spite of the high fertility levels in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa, the potential economic benefits of Family Planning (FP) have not been fully realised in the sub-region (Nettey et al, 2015). FP reduces both maternal and infant mortality rates and it decreases abortions of undesired pregnancies, increasing gender equality by enabling more girls to attain tertiary education, employment and increased income (Miller, 2011). In Kenya alone, it is estimated that FP is responsible for prevention of about 14,040 maternal deaths and 434,306 child deaths (Government of Kenya, 2007 cited by Oseko, 2013)

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion