Challenges faced by older women in Botswana in accessing services that address sexual and reproductive health, and family planning needs, in Botswana

Abstract

AbstractObjective: This study explored the challenges that older women from selected sites in Botswana face in accessing services that address sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and family planning (FP) needs.Design, setting and subjects: Two rural and two urban health districts were randomly selected for the study. A statistically determined sample of 454 older women was allocated to the different districts (strata), using probability proportional to size.Outcome measures: The study estimated the percentage use of sexual and reproductive health services (including family planning services), unmet need for family planning and factors inhibiting use of these services.Results: The study revealed that 25% of the older women used some type of FP method. Of this number, 67.9% were aged 50–59 years, 17.4% 60–69 years, 10.1% 70–79 years, and 72% had unmet needs for FP. The older women used natural FP methods mainly. The main SRH services used by them were screening for human immunodeficiency virus/acquired imm...