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

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, sociodemographic 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.