Family Planning Methods Research Articles

The Knowledge Need of the College Students on Sexual Health and Their Attitude Towards Sexual Education

Objective: In this study it is aimed to determine the information needs of university students about sexual health and their attitudes towards sexual education. Methods: This study is a descriptive cross-sectional study from quantitative research methods. The research was carried out with the participation of 989 students between September 2021 and January 2022. The data were collected by the researchers using the personal information form, sexual health form, and Attitude towards Sex Education Scale, which were prepared online by the researchers through the Office 365 program. Results: It was determined that the mean age of the students participating in the study was 19.76±1.32 and 77.8% of them were female. It was found that the sociodemographic characteristics of the students, studying in the health department, the place of residence, the education and working status of their parents were found to have a statistically significant effect on their attitudes towards sexual education. Especially, 69.1% of the students wanted to have a sexual health counseling center in the university. It was determined that approximately one fourth of the students related to sexual health received training on this subject, and 58% stated that they wanted to receive training from the health personnel and 15.3% from the counseling center. It has been determined that students need family planning education. It was found statistically significant that students who had knowledge about family planning methods had higher attitudes towards sexual education. Conclusion: It can be suggested to establish advisory boards that students can benefit from in cooperation with universities and health institutions.

KNOWLEDGE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS FOR USE OF CONTRACEPTIVES AMONG MARRIED WOMEN OF WEST BENGAL, INDIA

Use of contraceptive and family planning methods are help in fertility pattern and also helps to improve reproductive health. It is important to have proper knowledge about the contraceptives and identified the associated factor for the use of contraceptives by the married women. A study was conducted to assess the knowledge and the associated factor for the use of contraceptives among married women in the selected rural community of West Bengal. Non-probability purposive technique was used to collect data from 162 married women residing at the selected rural community. It was collected by using structured knowledge questionnaire and structured questionnaire for identify associated factor. The study revealed that 16.67% married women’s had poor knowledge, 12.34% married women’s had good knowledge. It observed that 48.76% married women belonged to the married life of 5-10 years. 72.22 % married women got contraceptives from Subcenter.38.89 % married women used Oral contraceptives pill.83.34 % married women’s were using contraceptives by couple choice.74.70 % married women’s advice taken from Health worker.42.85 % married women used Oral contraceptives pill because of Decision of couple.92.60 % women used Condoms because of because of Decision of couple.65.62% women used Injectables because of easily available .52.5 % married women used CU-T because of easily available. There was statistically significant association between knowledge of contraceptives and their demographic variables like, the religion, marital age.

Exploring the Influence of Sociocultural Factors on the Non-Utilization of Family Planning amongst Women in Ethiopia's Pastoralist Regions.

This study aimed to explore the sociocultural determinants of family planning (FP) utilization among women in pastoralist areas of Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 682 reproductive-aged women selected from three regions in pastoralist districts. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with women who did not use FP. This study revealed that 47% of women did not use FP. Women who did not use FP were more likely to have shorter spacing between births, lack their partner's support, not be involved in decisions regarding large household purchases, and have low household expenditures. Overall, the prevalence of not using FP is significantly high in pastoralist communities in Ethiopia. The authors recommend that investment in women's health and FP be targeted at educational campaigns to raise awareness about FP and its importance. Engaging men and community leaders, promoting their support for FP and contraceptive use, and providing financial assistance to address financial barriers, such as transportation costs and healthcare fees, are important aspects that can increase the utilization of FP methods.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practices- A Concept

The current article deals with the concept of Knowledge, Attitude& Practices (KAP) that emerged from the family planning programs after independence of the nation. Further, the concept of KAPGap emerged regarding the improvement of quality of the family planning programs. Development of the concept of KAP gap helped improved the quality of the family planning program & the program name changed to Family Welfare program. Further, it also provided a cafetoria approach of family planning methods where the people had to choice to chose from the available basket of methods of family planning/welfare. The current article traverses the history of the KAP approach, thereafter it sees how it sailed through finally reaching the current status of the KAP approach through the indicator of unmet need of family planning through the National Family Health Surveys of 4th& 5th rounds.

Family Planning Practices, Knowledge, Decision Making, and Factors Associated with Unplanned Pregnancies among Women Working in A Selected Garment Industry in Urban Bengaluru, India

Background: According to UN population estimates, India has surpassed China as the world’s most populated nation, marking the biggest upheaval in global demography since records have been kept. Providing universal family planning services is an important strategy to reduce maternal morbidity and to control population growth. Even though the country has multiple programs addressing family planning issues, they are missing out on working women. Thus, this study aims to estimate the prevalence of unmet needs of family planning and determinants for improper access to family planning methods among women working in a selected Garment industry in Urban Bengaluru. Methodology: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in a selected garment factory for a period of two months. Women workers in Reproductive age group (18-49 years) and who gave voluntary consent to participate in the study were taken up. Total sample of 454 women were included. The data was collected using a semi-structured and validated questionnaire. Collected data was entered in Microsoft Excel and was analysed using SPSS version 16. Results: Among 454 participants, 42.3% (n=192) of them had used contraceptive method. Out of 192 women, most of them (72.9%, n=140) had chosen tubectomy as the contraceptive measure. Among 407 women, 14.3% (n=58), 13.3% (n=42), and 20.9% (n=9) of them had not planned for their 1st pregnancy, 2nd pregnancy, and 3rd pregnancy respectively. Conclusion: Less than half of them had used any form of contraceptive method. Among that half, nearly three-fourths had chosen tubectomy.

Exploring factors influencing sexual and reproductive health knowledge among in-school adolescents in Nigeria

This study examines the factors influencing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge among in-school adolescents in Nigeria. Data were collected from a sample of 1,133 adolescents through a semi-structured survey questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, and logistic regression analysis were employed to analyze the data. Adolescents' knowledge levels on critical aspects of SRH education reveal varying levels of comprehension across domains. While 35.7% of adolescents demonstrate understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the reproductive system, only 8.0% display comprehension of contraception and birth control methods. Logistic regression coefficients unveil significant predictors of SRH knowledge, with senior secondary students demonstrating higher odds of SRH knowledge compared to junior secondary students (OR = 2.482, 95% CI [1.335, 3.693]). Urban residence is associated with higher odds of SRH knowledge (OR = 1.172, 95% CI [0.084, 1.350]). Healthcare providers significantly influence adolescents' SRH knowledge (OR = 3.519, 95% CI [2.853, 4.271]), while comfortable discussing SRH topics with teachers predicts higher odds of SRH knowledge (OR = 3.101, 95% CI [2.245, 3.355]). These findings underscore the need for tailored and comprehensive SRH education programs to address knowledge gaps and empower adolescents with accurate information and skills necessary for making informed decisions regarding their sexual health.

PREVALENCE OF BACTERIAL VAGINITIS AMONG WOMEN USING DIFFERENT TYPES OF IUDS

Background: A coil, also known as an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD or ICD), is a small birth control method that is put into the uterus to stop pregnancy. It usually starts in the endocervix and vagina and spreads up the body, causing endometritis, salpingitis, tubo-ovarian abscesses, parametritis, oophoritis, and/or pelvic peritonitis. objective: The objective of the current study was to investigate the prevalence of bacteria causing vaginitis among women using different types of intra uterine devices Materials and methods: The study was conducted in Kirkuk city from November 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024, using high vaginal swabs from 186 fertile women using intrauterine devices (IUDs). Demographic, medical, and gynecologic histories were recorded, and all patients underwent pelvic examinations. Swabs from the posterior fornix of the vagina were taken for microbiological analysis. The study included women aged 18-45 using IUDs, and excluded those who had received antibiotics, had preexisting systemic or infectious diseases, or experienced bleeding. Ethical approval was obtained, and informed consent was signed by all participants. The swabs were cultured on blood agar , MacConkey agar, Mannitol salt agar and deman rosa sharpe agar and Eosin methylene blue agar and incubated at 37°C for 24 hours. The colonies were picked, purified, and identified through a series of biochemical tests, including Gram staining, motility tests, and enzyme and fermentation tests. The Vitek 2 system was used for microbial identification and susceptibility testing. Results: In a study of 148 women using copper IUDs, 66 (44.59%) tested positive for vaginal swab cultures, while 82 (55.41%) tested negative. Similarly, among 38 women using hormonal IUDs, 17 (44.74%) had positive culture results, and 21 (55.26%) tested negative. Overall, out of 186 women tested, 83 (44.62%) had positive cultures. Among the 83 positive cases, 66 (79.52%) were in copper IUD users, and 17 (20.48%) were in hormonal IUD users. Escherichia coli was the most common bacterium, found in 40.91% of positive cultures, followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis (13.64%), and other bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Actinomyces israelii, and Proteus mirabilis, each at 9.09%. In women with positive cultures using copper IUDs, E. coli was most prevalent (47.06%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis (17.65% each). Among women with positive cultures, 13.25% had diabetes, compared to 4.85% with negative cultures. Hypertension was present in 3.61% of women with positive cultures versus 1.94% with negative cultures. Duration of IUD use also showed a significant correlation with culture results. Women with positive cultures using copper IUDs had the highest percentage in the 1-2 year duration category (43.94%), while those using hormonal IUDs had the highest in the same category (47.06%). Antibiotic sensitivity testing revealed that Imipenem, Meropenem, Tigecycline, and Colistin were 100% effective against E. coli isolates from women using IUDs. However, high resistance rates were observed for Ampicillin/Sulbactam (71.79%) and Ciprofloxacin (84.62%). Ceftolozane/Tazobactam and Gentamicin had relatively high sensitivity rates, while Ceftazidime/Avibactam showed moderate sensitivity. Conclusions The study reveals a significant proportion of women with copper and hormonal IUDs tested positive for vaginal infections, with Escherichia coli being the predominant bacterium isolated,significant differences were noted in the clinical presentation and comorbidities of women with positive cultures compared to those with negative cultures.study identified antibiotics with high sensitivity rates against E. coli isolates, such as Imipenem, Meropenem, Tigecycline, and Colistin, highlighting potential treatment options for IUD-associated infections caused by multidrug-resistant strains. Conversely, antibiotics like Ampicillin/Sulbactam and Ciprofloxacin demonstrated high resistance rates

Postpartum family planning among women attending maternal and child health centers in Assiut Governorate, Upper Egypt

BackgroundPostpartum family planning (PPFP) is important in helping couples to achieve their reproductive intentions. National surveys have consistently reported higher fertility, lower use of family planning (FP), and higher unmet needs for FP in Upper Egypt. This study aims to identify the factors associated with the use of PPFP in Assiut Governorate, Upper Egypt, and to assess the current status of integration of PPFP counseling in the existing maternal and child health services (MCH).MethodsThe study employed a cross-sectional study design, collecting data from 455 postpartum women aged 15 to 49 years in 4 primary health care (PHC) centers in Assiut Governorate, Upper Egypt. The women were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 4 sections: the first section included the participants’ demographic characteristics; the second section included women’s obstetric history; the third section included questions about PPFP knowledge, attitude, past and current use of contraception; and the fourth section assessed the current status of integrating PPFP counseling within antenatal, natal, and postnatal services.ResultsIn total, 54.5% of postpartum women were using a modern contraceptive method. The significant predictors of using PPFP methods were as follows: receiving information about PPFP from health care providers (AOR = 11.46, p < 0.001), better attitude towards PPFP (AOR = 10.54, p < 0.001), using modern FP methods (AOR = 6.98, p < 0.001), resumption of menstruation (AOR = 4.11, p < 0.001), older age (AOR = 2.15, p < 0.05), and better PPFP knowledge (AOR = 1.72, p < 0.001). Only 5.3%, 1.3%, and 3.5% received PPFP counseling during antenatal care (ANC), delivery, and the postpartum period, respectively.ConclusionsPostpartum contraception use was associated with receiving PPFP counseling by health care providers and women’s knowledge and attitude regarding PPFP. However, FP counseling was not integrated with other MCH services. Updating the components of MCH services to include PPFP counseling during ANC, at delivery, and during the postpartum period should be prioritized by program planners and policymakers.

Models and policies for family development, population control, and family planning: a scoping review

Uncontrolled population growth causes poverty, hunger, disease and death. Ironically, population explosions usually occur in developing countries, while population growth is usually low, zero, or even negative in developed countries. Considering these factors, this research aims to formulate effective family planning and population control methods to improve the quality of family development. In this research we present a scoping review article regarding family development models and policies, population control, and family planning. A comprehensive search was conducted in major databases, including PubMed, EBSCO, ProQuest, and ScienceDirect, via presentation methods using PRISMA-ScR guidelines. As a result, we found 16 articles meeting the eligibility criteria. The findings of this research provide insight to stakeholders and researchers into how family development, population control, and family planning policies can be modeled so that effective results can be achieved.

Effect of knowledge level on IUD contraceptive use in women of childbearing age

Introduction: The use of intrauterine device (IUD) contraception is one effective method for birth control and family planning. Despite this, IUD adoption rates among women of childbearing age are still relatively low. One factor that can affect IUD use is a woman's level of knowledge about this method of contraception. Objective: analyze the effect of knowledge level on IUD contraceptive use in women of childbearing age. Methods: This study used a quantitative research design with a cross sectional approach. The sampling technique uses Total Sampling and the number of respondents is 134 KB acceptors. Data collection using Knowledge questionnaire. Result: The results of the Chi Square statistical test showed a p value (0.001) &lt; α = (0.05) with a confidence level of 95%, indicating that Ho was rejected and Ha was accepted or there was a knowledge relationship with IUD contraceptive use. Conclusion: The level of knowledge about IUDs has a significant effect on a woman's decision to use this method of contraception. Efforts to increase education and information about IUDs are expected to increase IUD use rates and help family planning programs.

Contraceptive use, unmet need and its determinants among tribal married reproductive women: A community based observational study in a district of West Bengal

ABSTRACT Context: Reported literatures revealed the problems of access and misconceptions, low contraceptive usage and high unmet need for family planning among the tribes. Aims: Our aim was to find out the prevalence of contraceptive usage, unmet need and their determinants among tribal married reproductive women. Settings and Design: A community-based, observational, analytical research using cross-sectional design was conducted among 290 tribal women of the Nadia district of West Bengal. Subjects and Methods: After obtaining ethical clearance, an interviewer-administered pre-designed, structured proforma was used to collect information on socio-demographic attributes, marital history, contraceptives and fertility status, unmet needs and the reasons for not using contraceptives. Statistical Analysis Used: Bi-variate analysis was used to know the differences and a two-tailed significance test with a P value of 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant. Results: The present study revealed a high prevalence of teenage marriage (60.7%) and pregnancy (27.6%). Every one in six tribal women was illiterate. The contraceptive prevalence rate was 43.8%. Tubectomy (38.6%) was the most common method (38.6%) and unfelt need (19.6%) was the most common reason for non-use. Age, occupation of women, social class, living status, marital duration, number of living children and desire to have a future child were found to be associated with the current contraceptive use. Social class, number of living children, contraceptive awareness, source and place of availability, abortion history, opposition from family and husband, and husband participation all were significantly associated with the unmet need for family planning. Conclusion: In-depth counselling focusing on achieving a satisfactory level of awareness and acceptance of family planning methods may help to achieve reproductive health by reducing unmet needs.

Prevalence and associated factors of family planning among students of health training institutes in Juba: A cross sectional descriptive study

Introduction: Family planning (FP) is less prevalent in South Sudan yet information on the subject is scarce and varied from one source to another. This study assessed the prevalence and associated factors in family planning among students at health science training institutes in Juba City. Method: This was a cross-sectional survey of students’ self-reported utilisation of FP methods. Four hundred randomly selected students from five health training institutes (HTIs) in Juba City participated. Data collection was done using a pretested structured questionnaire. IBM SPSS 23 software was used for data analysis. Chi squared tests and regression analyses were performed to determine the associated factors. Results: Among the 400 participants, the lifetime prevalence of FP methods was 77.3%, of which modern contraceptive use was 22%. FP was more prevalent among participants aged 45-50 (85.7%) and females (80.7%). Eighty-seven percent of divorced couples and 91.3% of traditional believers reported practicing FP. More nursing/midwifery cadres within the professional category reported practicing FP, as well as 90.4% of rural respondents. Eighty-three percent of respondents working in pharmacies said they practice FP, compared to 68.1% of those working in clinics. FP practice was similar among participants who were aware (78.9%) and those who denied being aware (72.5%). Marital status (p &lt; 0.001), religion (p &lt; 0.001), residence (p &lt; 0.001), and place of work (p = 0.037) were significantly associated with FP. Conclusion: The prevalence of family planning among students at Health Training Institutes in Juba City is high compared to national estimates, but the contraceptive overall prevalence rate is still low. It is significantly associated with marital status, religion, residence, and place of work. There is a need to continue the effort.

My Body, My Choice: An Adapted Sexual Health Intervention for Youth with Histories of Commercial Sexual Exploitation

Youth with commercial sexual exploitation (CSE) histories experience high rates of unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, with few interventions targeting their needs. We therefore piloted an evidence-based sexual health education intervention tailored for CSE-impacted youth, My Body, My Choice (MBMC). MBMC was implemented in two rounds between March and October 2021 with a total of 37 youth who completed a baseline questionnaire, engaged in a 13 to 16-hour online course over two to three weeks, and then assessed the course’s likability and feasibility via a post-course evaluation survey. To measure sexual health knowledge retention and attitudes, follow-up questionnaires were administered at baseline, 1-month, and 3-months post-course. Descriptive and bivariate analyses examined demographic characteristics and differences between timepoints. Most participants identified as female (92%), and Latinx (57%) or Black (27%). Overall, youth had an improved understanding of sexual health concepts over time, with significantly increased knowledge regarding birth control methods such as IUDs and condoms. Youth expressed high rates of satisfaction with MBMC, with 93% seeking continued course access. Findings underscore the utility and acceptability of MBMC and may inform future interventions to reduce health disparities and improve sexual health outcomes among youth with CSE histories.

Individual empowerment and community norm effects of engaging young husbands in reproductive health in rural India: findings from a pilot study.

Despite decades of a call to action to engage men in reproductive health, men are often left out of programs and interventions. In India, where half of pregnancies are reported as unintended, patriarchal gender norms and still dominant patterns of arranged marriages make engaging men in family planning and strengthening couples communication critical in increasing reproductive autonomy and helping young couples meet their reproductive goals. This study explores the feasibility and acceptability from the men's perspective of the pilot of a gender transformative intervention for newly married couples in India. A pilot study was conducted of TARANG, a 4-month intervention for newly married women, with light touch engagement of husbands (4 sessions). A total of 41 husbands participated in the pilot, and we collected baseline knowledge and endline feasibility and acceptability data from them, along with in depth qualitative interviews with 13 men. The study was conducted in June-January, 2023. Men had low levels of knowledge about biology, family planning, with the majority of men reporting that no one had provided them information about these topics. Most men wanted to delay the first birth by at least 2 years, yet less than a quarter had discussed childbearing plans with their partner or engaged in family planning methods. While all men reported high acceptability (satisfaction and usefulness), feasibility (participation) was low, with only 43% attending 2 or more sessions. Main barriers to participation included commitments due to work and migration. Men reported that the intervention led to improvements in their relationships with their wives, gave them a sense of empowerment, and led them to become resources for other men in their community. Men in these rural communities are not receiving the information that they need to meet their reproductive goals, however, they greatly desire this information and ways to improve relationships with their new wives. Such an intervention appears to have the potential to help change norms and spread information in the community and provide men with positive, life affirming feelings. Providing information through technology could address barriers to in-person engagement. clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06320964), 03/13/24.

Reproductive behaviors among school-based health center clients in New Mexico.

School-based health centers (SBHCs) are an evidence-based model for providing contraceptives to adolescents. SBHCs ability to provide reproductive health services is often limited by school district policies, state laws, and health center policies. We used data from the Teens Exploring and Managing Prevention (TEMPO) study to document demographic characteristics and birth control methods among patients at four SBHCs in New Mexico. A total of 264 teens were included in the baseline data collection at SBHCs in New Mexico. A baseline survey was administered via iPad, that specifically focused on questions related to sexual experiences and sexual health topics. Baseline questions included demographic questions, gender identity, sexual orientation, reasons for visits, reproductive practices, and birth control methods. Descriptive statistics were calculated, including means and standard deviations for continuous variables and categorical frequencies. Our findings present reproductive health behaviors among New Mexican patients attending schools with SBHCs. More than 74% of respondents were Hispanic or Latino. The most common reason teens went to the SBHC was for birth control, and just 62% of teens reported using birth control methods in the past. These behaviors are essential for policymakers to consider as they address policy gaps, the complex landscape of parental permission, reproductive rights, and health as a human right.

The Role of Digital Tools in Raising Public Awareness of Family Planning Methods in Tanzania

To address the various complications resulting from poor family planning, the government, and other stakeholders are tirelessly conducting campaigns that will boost awareness and the uptake of family planning methods in society. Apart from the traditional channels of disseminating family planning information such as the use of television and radio, much attention has been directed into the use of digital tools. Following this, the study aimed at examining the role of digital tools in raising public awareness of family planning methods in Tanzania. The study employed a mixed research design that gave out room for collecting and analysing data quantitatively and qualitatively. The main targeted population was the residents who are of reproductive age and a total of 100 residents were contacted. The data collected were analysed descriptively through the use of frequencies and tables. This part mostly included quantitative data. On the other hand, content analysis was applied in analysing the qualitative data. The findings relating to the general objective revealed that digital tools had the potential of playing a great role in disseminating information concerning family planning methods and other related campaigns. The findings revealed that the respondents preferred the use of digital tools in obtaining family planning information compared to the predominantly traditional channels such as television and radio. The study recommended putting more emphasis on the use of digital tools in disseminating family planning information rather than the predominantly traditional channels. In addition, the study recommended more training to the youth and those who are on reproductive health by conducting various social campaigns tailored in promoting awareness of family planning agendas.

Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic upon Iraqi women’s Commitment to Family Planning at Primary Health Care Centers in Baghdad City

Objectives: To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 upon Iraqi women's commitment to family planning before and during COVID-19 pandemic Methods: A descriptive design, correlational approach was conducted from November /2021 to July / 2022. The setting of the study including two primary health care centers in Baghdad City. A non-probability 'purposive sample' consists of (200) women at reproductive age (16-49) years old. Descriptive and correlational statistics were used for data analysis. Results: The results of the study shows that regarding commitment to use of family planning methods among women before and during COVID19 pandemic; the “Use family planning methods” among (94.5%) before-COVID19 and (83%) during COVID19. there is high significant relationship between commitment to use of family planning before-COVID19 and during COVID19 at p-value= .001 respectively. Conclusion: The pandemic has affected women’s commitment to family planning methods, as well as its impact on the type of method that used. Despite the pandemic family planning is very important to women’s reproductive health so, it is necessary to improve family planning information, services, and access.

Women's access to family planning and experiences of reproductive coercion during the COVID-19 lockdown in two districts of Uganda

BackgroundIn March 2020, Uganda enforced country-wide restrictions to control the spread of SARS-CoV-2, categorizing some health services, including family planning (FP), as non-essential. Globally, similar COVID-19 restrictions have been associated with increased vulnerability to reproductive coercion (RC) among women, due to changes in FP service availability and restricted access by partners. This study aims to investigate these dynamics in Uganda, specifically examining the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on women's access to FP, their experiences of RC, and the relationship between RC and intimate partner violence (IPV). MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from 960 women participating in the AMBSO Population Health Surveillance Study (APHS) between August 2020 and March 2021 across Wakiso (N = 164) and Hoima (N = 796) districts in Uganda. Our analysis focused on women who were sexually active in the past month, using bivariate analyses to explore the associations between RC and recent experiences of sexual, physical, and verbal IPV. FindingsThe most commonly reported FP methods were injectables (36.8 %) and implants (16 %). Despite the COVID-19 lockdown, less than one percent of participants reported an inability to access their preferred FP method. Notably, 3 % of the women experienced RC in the past 12 months. There was a significant association between RC and sexual IPV (p < 0.0001), as well as physical IPV (p < 0.0001). Instances of verbal IPV were observed to have tripled during the lockdown period. InterpretationAn increase in verbal IPV was found among women during the COVID-19 lockdown. Additionally, a notable association emerged between other forms of IPV and an increased risk of RC. Despite the lockdown, access to FP remained high, which could be attributed to the prevalent use of long-acting FP methods.

Utilisation of Reproductive Health Services among Adolescents in Ghana: Analysis of the 2007 and 2017 Ghana Maternal Health Surveys.

Early pubertal development induces early sexual activities among adolescents. In Ghana, despite the high sexual activity among Ghanaian adolescents, sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services are underutilised, primarily due to SRH stigma and a lack of SRH knowledge and information. This study examined the use of SRH services among adolescents aged 15-19 years in Ghana over a ten year period. The study utilised data from the 2007 and 2017 Ghana Maternal Health Surveys (GMHSs). Responses from 2056 and 4909 adolescent females captured in the 2007 and 2017 GMHSs, respectively, were used. The results showed a declining utilisation of SRH services among adolescents from 28.3% in 2007 to 22.5% in 2017. The odds of using family planning among sexually active adolescents increased from 2007 [AOR-0.32, CI-(0.135, 0.77), p < 0.001] to 2017 [AOR-68.62, CI-(36.104, 130.404), p < 0.001]. With increasing age at first sex, adolescents were less likely to use a family planning method in 2007 [AOR-0.94, CI-(0.89,0.99) p < 0.001], but this improved in 2017 [AOR-1.26, CI-(1.220, 1.293), p < 0.001]. Despite this, knowledge of sources for family planning was found to predict its lower utilisation in both 2007 [AOR = 0.15 (95% CI-0.081, 0.283), p < 0.0001] and 2017 [AOR = 0.206 (95% CI-(0.099, 0.426), p < 0.001]. The findings show that even though knowledge of family planning methods predicted low utilisation, knowledge of sources, age at first sex, and educational level positively predicted the utilisation of SRH services from 2007 to 2017. Opportunities for both enhancing the clinical environment and health provider attitudes exist and should be explored for improving SRH outcomes among sexually active adolescents in Ghana.

Access to family planning services and associated factors among young people in Lira city northern Uganda

BackgroundAccess to family planning services among young people is crucial for reproductive health. This study explores the access and associated factors among young people in Lira City, Northern Uganda.Methods and materialsA mixed-methods study was conducted in March to April 2022. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 553 participants aged 15–24 years. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. Data analysis included univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses for quantitative data, while interpretative phenomenological analysis was used for qualitative data.ResultsOverall, 31.7% of the respondents had a good perceived access to family planning services, with 64.6% reporting perceived availability of FP methods. Challenges included lack of privacy (57.7%), fear of mistreatment (77.2%), and decision-making difficulties (66.2%). Among females, good perceived access to FP services was less likely among urban residents (AOR: 0.22, 95% CI: 0.09–0.53), Christian respondents (AOR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.01–0.36), Muslim respondents (AOR: 0.07, 95% CI: 0.01–0.55) and respondents with poor attitude to FP services (AOR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.24–0.64), but more likely among respondents with a sexual a partner (AOR: 4.48, 95% CI: 2.60–7.75). Among males, good perceived access to FP services was less likely among respondents living with parents (AOR: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.05–0.67) but more likely among respondents with good knowledge of FP services (AOR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.02–5.32). Qualitative findings showed that three themes emerged; knowledge of family planning methods, beliefs about youth contraception and, friendliness of family planning services.ConclusionThe study revealed a substantial gap in perceived access to family planning services among young people in Lira City. Barriers include privacy concerns, fear of mistreatment, and decision-making difficulties. Tailored interventions addressing urban access, religious beliefs for females, and knowledge enhancement for males are essential. Positive aspects like diverse FP methods and physical accessibility provide a foundation for targeted interventions. Youth-friendly services, comprehensive sexual education, and further research are emphasized for a nuanced understanding and effective interventions in Northern Uganda.