Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice of Family Planning in Ethiopia

Abstract

In 1971, the Ethiopian population was estimated at 25 million and the growth rate at 2.5 percent. Although population problems are suspected to have contributed to the health and economic problems of the country in recent years, no large-scale surveys have been conducted in this area and the government has not formulated an official policy on population or family planning. Resistance to family planning is apparent on the part of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the Muslim religious leaders. Despite these circumstances, family planning programs do exist on a limited level in the country. The government allows family planning services to be offered in some areas in connection with maternal and child health programs and clinics. The Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia started a limited family planning program in 1966, with assistance from the Pathfinder Fund and the International Planned Parenthood Federation. During 1970-1971, the first survey of knowledge, attitudes, and practice (KAP) of family planning in Ethiopia was carried out under the sponsorship of the Institute of Ethiopian Studies of the Haile Selassie I University. This study was designed to provide a rudimentary data base for national development and health planning.