Determinants of contraceptive use among women of reproductive age attending antenatal clinic at Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital, Coast Region, Tanzania

Abstract

Background: Contraception is regarded as an important preventive measure of unintended pregnancies among women. This study aimed to assess the determinants of contraceptive use among women of reproductive age attending antenatal clinic at Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital, Coast Region, Tanzania. Material and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted from June 01 to September 30, 2023. A total 310 women at reproductive age were enrolled in this study. Results: The analysis of 310 women intending to use contraceptive was done. Of these 19.3% were aged between 25 -29 years; 21.3% the husbands were aged between 30 -34 years. Marital status 92.3% were married. Women education level primary school was 68.4%, husband education level primary school was 72.6%. Women′s occupation, government employee 88.7%, husband′s occupation, peasant 73.2%. Living in Rural area was 75.0%. Awareness on contraception was 96.0%, knowledge of methods of contraception 97.7%, known methods of contraception pills 51.6%, known reasons for using contraception 83.9%, sources of information about contraception mass media 38.7%. Attitudes toward contraception; 48.4% contraception is beneficial. Ever used contraception; 52.6% used, reason for using contraception .79.0% to prevent unplanned pregnancy, reason for not using contraception, 52.3% embarrassment to buy or ask for them, place to get contraception, 52.9% pharmacy. Used contraceptive methods, 54.8% pills Conclusion: This study shows that contraceptive use among women of reproductive age attending antenatal clinic at Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital is preferred by women with primary education. Therefore, females should be encouraged to attain education of primary school which is universal education in our country. There is a need for the Government to have good plan, policy and clear strategy for implementation of use of family planning methods.