Knowledge and Perceptions on Contraception as Predictors of Uptake of Modern Family Planning Among Pastoralist Women of Reproductive Age (15 to 49 Years) in Garbatulla Sub-County, Isiolo County, Kenya

Abstract

All around the world, there is an enhanced awareness of family planning strategies that can be utilised to postpone pregnancy. Even so, pastoralist women are often not fully aware of existing family planning options. This places them at an increased risk of unplanned pregnancies, which may result in high maternal and child deaths. It is on this basis that this paper seeks to highlight knowledge and perception predictors of uptake of modern family planning amongst pastoralist women of reproductive age drawn from Garbatulla Sub-County, Isiolo County, Kenya. A cross-sectional analytical study design was applied on 419 women of reproductive age (15 to 49 years) proportionately sampled from pastoralists. A semi-structured questionnaire aided in data collection. The dependent variable was uptake of modern family planning measured on a binary categorical scale, whereas the independent variable was knowledge of modern family planning assessed based on possession of certain knowledge aspects on FP by the participants. Perceptions were assessed on a 4-point Likert scale measuring participant's perceptions of certain aspects related to modern FP. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to derive Odds Ratio (OR) at α ≤ 0.05, 95% Confidence Interval (CI). A majority of the participants were aged 25-35 years. Odds of uptake of modern FP reduced by 73% amongst those who had knowledge of the three main categories of modern FP when compared to those who did not have such knowledge, a significant prediction (OR=0.266, 95% CI=0.152-0.467, p<0.0001). On the other hand, the odds of uptake of modern FP were 1.9 times higher amongst those who knew that there are permanent FP methods than those who did not have such knowledge, a significant prediction (OR=1.887, 95% CI=1.188-2.997, p=0.007). Odds of uptake of modern FP were 1.9 times higher amongst those who strongly agreed with the perception that fecund women use FP to postpone childbirth when compared to those who strongly disagreed with this perception, a significant prediction (OR=1.876, 95% CI=1.037-3.393, p=0.037). On the other hand, the odds of uptake of modern FP were reduced by 58% amongst those who strongly agreed with the perception that there is a need to discuss FP and family size with spouse when compared to those who strongly disagreed with this perception, a significant prediction (OR=0.420, 95% CI=0.178-0.989, p=0.0047). In summary specific knowledge and perception variables are significant predictors of uptake of modern family planning by pastoralist women. There is a need to intergarte such factors in the design and implementation of interventions aimed at enhancing reproductive health matters amongst pastoralist women