Attitude towards utilization of family planning services among women of reproductive age living with disability in Kajiado County, Kenya

Abstract

Background: Family planning refers to practices that allow people to control the number of children and determine healthy spacing and timing of births between pregnancies. Approximately 10 percent of the world's population experience some form of disability. Worldwide, the most vulnerable groups include women with disabilities who highly need contraception most. The objective of this study was to assess the nature of attitude associated with utilization of family planning services among women living with disabilities in Kajiado County, Kenya.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study design was adopted with both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods applied. The study systematically sampled 316 women living with disability. Additional information was obtained from Focused Group Discussions. Required ethical clearance and permissions were sought prior to the study. Descriptive data and inferential statistics were analyzed through use of SPSS version 20.0. Results from focused group discussions were triangulated with quantitative data as direct quotes.Results: Only 32.0% of women living with disability utilized family planning in Kajiado County. About 61.2% of them had a negative attitude towards family planning. The nature of attitude (p=0.001) was significantly associated with utilization of family planning.Conclusions: The nature of attitude towards family planning among women with disability in Kajiado County was negative. Approximately 6 out of 10 women of reproductive age with disability had a negative attitude towards family planning. There is need to for policy makers and relevant stakeholders to dispel myths, misconceptions and religious beliefs associated with underutilization of family planning thus changing their nature attitude towards family planning.