The Impact of an educational intervention on the knowledge of bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) among women attending antenatal and family planning clinics in Bomet county: An interventional study

Abstract

Background: Bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) is a highly effective contraceptive method with more than 99%efficacy in preventing pregnancy. Its uptake remains low in Sub-Saharan Africa at 1.6%. The KenyaHealth and Demographics Survey 2014 indicated that almost half of the married women did not desirefurther childbearing. The low acceptance of BTL as a contraceptive method in this region has beenattributed to a lack of knowledge and cultural and religious misconceptions.Objective: This study aimed to determine the baseline level of knowledge about BTL and the impact ofan educational intervention among women attending antenatal care and family planning clinics at Tenwekand Longisa Hospitals in Bomet County.Methods: A quasi-experimental study design was employed. Demographic characteristics, knowledge ofBTL, perceived risks, and benefits were assessed at baseline and postintervention. A difference measurewas used to assess the impact of the intervention at 95% CI, with a p-value of 0.05 consideredsignificant. The data were analyzed using STATA version 18.Results: The mean age of the participants at baseline and postintervention was 29.0±5.8 years and29.2±5.6 years, respectively. Overall, 62% of the participants reported they would choose BTL, with 52%in the postintervention arm. When asked if their religion allowed BTL, 80.6% responded yes and weresupported by their husband (92%); however, 62% reported they could not have it if their spouse wasagainst it. In general, lower knowledge scores were obtained in the postintervention arm, implying thatthe educational intervention did not influence participants' knowledge of BTL. There was no statisticallysignificant difference in the participants' knowledge levels at baseline and postintervention [3.3 (-3.2 to9.9); p-value=0.3].Conclusion: Educating families, particularly women of childbearing age, about alternative family planningmethods would increase their adoption, allowing families to achieve desired family sizes while limiting theimpact of unwanted pregnancies and maintaining a healthy population.