Modern Family Planning Methods Research Articles

Utilization of modern contraceptives among female health care workers at Gulu university teaching hospitals in Northern Uganda

BackgroundThe global high rate of unintended pregnancy is a direct result of underutilization of contraceptives methods. Healthcare workers (HCWs) play a pivotal role in promoting and facilitating access to modern family planning services. By examining the extent to which healthcare providers practice what they preach, this research aimed to shed light on the prevalence and factors associated with modern contraceptive use among female HCW at two university teaching hospitals in northern Uganda.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among qualified female healthcare workers (FHCWs) at Gulu Regional Referral Hospital (GRRH) and St. Mary’s Hospital-Lacor in Gulu, Uganda. Convenient consecutive sampling was used to enroll study participants. Linear regression analysis was employed to determine factors independently associated with modern contraceptive use. P < 0.005 was considered statistically significant.ResultsWe enrolled 201 female HCWs, with a median age 31 (interquartile range: 27–38) years. Overall, 15 (7.5%, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 4.4 —11.1) participants utilized modern methods of family planning in the last 3 months while lifetime use was at 73.6% (n = 148, 95%CI: 67.3 — 79.4%). Most common method utilized was intra-uterine devices [IUDs] (51%, n = 76), followed by sub-dermal implants (15.4%, n = 23). Eighty-five (42.3%, n = 85) participants had desire to get pregnant. Factors independently associated with utilization of modern methods contraceptives were working at GRRH (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 5.0, 95% CI: 1.59 — 10.0, p = 0.003), and being single (aOR: 3.3, 9%CI: 1.02 —10.57, p = 0.046).ConclusionsUtilization of modern methods of contraceptive among female HCWs in this study is lower than the Uganda national estimates for the general female population. Most utilized method is IUDs followed by sub-dermal implants. More studies are recommended to see if this finding is similar among FHCWs in other regions of Uganda and the rest of Africa while also considering Male Healthcare Workers.

Socio-Cultural Factors Affecting the Use of Modern Family Planning Methods by Married Men in Omala Local Government Area, Kogi State, Nigeria

The use of contraceptives is one of the modern family planning methods across the globe, but not free of the influence of socio-cultural factors. Hence, this study examined the socio-cultural factors influencing the practice of family planning among married men in the Omala Local Government Area. The specific objectives of the study included ascertaining if married men in Omala LGA were aware of modern family planning methods, an investigation into the assessment and utilization of family planning methods, determining the perceived benefits of the practice of family planning methods, identifying the perceived hindrances to its usage and examined the strategies to improve on the practice of family planning among marked men in Omala LGA. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test the research hypothesis. The theory of the Health Believe Model was used to buttress the study and by utilizing survey research design, a total of 306 copies of the questionnaire were distributed among the respondents of which 235 copies were completed and returned. The results showed that 51% of the married men in Omala LGA were not aware of modern family planning methods while 34% of the respondents had no access to the utilization of modern family planning methods. The results also revealed that the socio-cultural factors affecting modern family planning methods among married men in the study area were cross-cultural differences, religious beliefs and practices, gender roles, fertility desire and number of living children, childbearing practice, partner discussion and approval. It was found also that reduction in the economic and emotional burden of parenthood, improvements in maternal health and child survival etc were the perceived benefits of modern methods of Family Planning. It was also discovered that the perceived hindrances to the practice of family planning methods included lack of knowledge, limited supplies, high cost of contraceptives, cultural and personal objectives etc. The study further found that adequate sensitization programmes by both health workers and religious organisations should be carried out among their followers on the importance of family planning practice and thereby enhancing their reproductive health. The study concluded that there were significant socio-cultural factors influencing the practice of modern family planning methods in the study area and therefore recommended that the local government through healthcare centres should create awareness programmes as also suggested by the respondents on the use of modern family planning methods in the area.

Trends on Modern Family Planning Methods in Abuja, Nigeria (2010 - 2021)

Trends on Modern Family Planning Methods in Abuja, Nigeria (2010 - 2021)

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Modern Family Planning Methods among Men in Ogbogu Community in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State

This study examined the knowledge, attitude and practice of modern family planning methods among men in Ogbogu Community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. Introduction: Family planning is the practice that helps individuals or couples to attain certain objectives such as avoiding unwanted pregnancies, bringing about wanted babies at the right time, regulating the interval between pregnancies, controlling the time at which birth occurs in relation to the ages of the parents. Methodology: The study used a descriptive survey research design. The study population comprised married men currently residing in Ogbogu Community in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State. A sample size of 389 persons was selected using a simple random technique. A structured questionnaire was used for data collection and data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) windows (version 20.0). Results: The study showed that there is high awareness of family planning of among the married couples used for the study. Majority of the participants had detailed knowledge of condom. Also, the study indicated that married couples had a favourable attitude toward modern family planning methods of 51%, out of the married couples that were aware of modern family planning methods. Again, the study revealed that high percentage of married couples practice modern family planning methods. Conclusion: Knowledge of modern contraceptives is high in the study population. Substantial proportion of married couples had positive attitude towards modern contraceptives and hence more room for increasing modern contraceptive use in the study population.

Intimate partner violence influences modern family planning use among married women in Tanzania: cross-sectional study

BackgroundMarried women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) are less likely to negotiate with their partners on modern family planning (FP) use. This study aimed to determine the influence of intimate partner violence and sociodemographics on modern family planning use.MethodsA community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Mara region, Tanzania from April to July 2020. A total of 366 married women were interviewed. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Analysis was done using SPSS version 25, and a binary logistic regression model was used to determine the predictors of modern FP use. The significance level was set at a p-value less than 0.05.ResultsThe overall prevalence of IPV was 73% with 54.1% physical, 36.3% psychological, and 25.4%, sexual violence. The prevalence of modern FP use was 62%, and the most (49.1%) common method practiced by married women was injection (Depo Provera). Physical violence (AOR = 0.32, p = 0.0056), and psychological violence (AOR = 0.22, p = 0.0022) had significantly reduced odds of modern FP use. Religion (AOR = 4.6, p = 0.0085), and availability of preferred modern FP methods (AOR = 9.27, p < 0.0001) had significantly increased odds of modern FP use.ConclusionIn this study, there is a positive association between the use of modern FP methods and IPV. To prevent IPV and its negative health consequences, it is crucial to involve community leaders and primary healthcare workers. They can help in identifying the best strategies to prevent IPV and promote the use of modern FP methods. It is equally important to involve male partners in reproductive health decisions, including the use of modern FP methods. This approach will help reduce reproductive coercion.

Effective strategies for increasing the uptake of modern methods of family planning in South Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundFamily planning (FP) interventions have improved the use of modern contraceptives, yet a high unmet need for contraception still exists in South Asia. This systematic review of existing research was conducted to identify effective FP interventions that led to an increase in the uptake of modern methods of contraception in South Asia.MethodsFive electronic databases were searched for relevant studies published between January 1st, 2000 and May 4, 2023. Experimental studies that reported data on the impact of FP interventions on modern contraceptive use among women of reproductive age (15–49 years) in the South Asian region were included. A random-effects Inverse Variance weighted model was employed to pool the adjusted odds ratio (OR) on modern contraceptive use and unmet need for contraception. In addition, we computed subgroup meta-estimates based on intervention type and the urban-rural divide.ResultsAmong 643 studies identified, 21 met the inclusion criteria. The overall pooled odds ratio for modern contraceptive use was significantly higher (OR 1.51; 95% CI 1.35–1.70; heterogeneity; I2 = 81%) for FP interventions with a significant reduction in unmet need for contraception (OR 0.86; 95% CI 0.78–0.94, I2 = 50%). The subgroup analysis revealed demand-generation (OR 1.61; 95% CI 1.32–1.96), health system integrated (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.07–2.20), and franchised FP clinic interventions (OR 1.32; 95% CI 1.21–1.44) had promoted the modern contraceptive uptake. Further, FP interventions implemented in urban settings showed a higher increase in modern contraceptive use (OR 1.73; 95% CI 1.44–2.07) compared to rural settings (OR 1.46; 95% CI 1.28–1.66). Given the considerable heterogeneity observed across studies and the low degree of certainty indicated by the GRADE summary for the primary outcome, caution is advised when interpreting the results.ConclusionThe review collated experimentally evaluated FP interventions that increased modern contraception use and reduced the unmet need in South Asia. The demand generation interventions were the most effective in increasing the uptake of modern contraceptive methods. Furthermore, the urban environment provides a conducive environment for interventions to improve contraceptive usage. However, further studies should assess which aspects were most effective on attitudes towards contraception, selection of more effective methods, and contraceptive behaviors.

The Impact of Body Weight on Blood Hemoglobin Level When Using Some Modern Family Planning Methods in Egypt

The Impact of Body Weight on Blood Hemoglobin Level When Using Some Modern Family Planning Methods in Egypt

Women’s Perception of Using Modern Family Planning Methods in Wete District, Pemba, Tanzania

Women’s Perception of Using Modern Family Planning Methods in Wete District, Pemba, Tanzania

Family planning service availability and readiness assessment of primary health care facilities in Delta State, Nigeria: a mixed methods survey

BackgroundThe availability of contraceptives, family planning guidelines, and Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials can increase access to family planning services. This study assessed the availability of commodities and readiness of primary health care (PHC) facilities in Delta State to offer family planning services.MethodsA cross-sectional design with an explanatory mixed-method approach was used i.e., the authors first collected the quantitative data, and after preliminary analysis of quantitative information, the qualitative approach was utilised to gather data on the perspectives of 32 PHC facility managers and 6 reproductive health supervisors on factors affecting family planning service availability and readiness.ResultsTwenty-one (65.6%) of the PHC facilities surveyed offered at least five modern methods of family planning. Stock-outs of emergency contraceptives, implants, intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUCD), oral contraceptive pills (OCP), condoms, and injectables were observed in 31 (96.9%), 17 (53.1%), 13 (40.6%), 4 (12.5%), 2 (6.3%), and 1 (3.1%) of the facilities respectively. Eleven (34.4%) and 8 (25.0%) of the facilities had IEC materials and family planning guidelines, and contraceptive commodity checklists respectively. Seventeen (53.1%) of the facilities did not have complete records of family planning activities.ConclusionThis study shows that a significant proportion of PHC facilities had stock-outs of contraceptive commodities, no complete records of contraceptive activities, no IEC materials and no family planning checklists. Continuous training of health providers and increased government commitment can help to improve contraceptive services.

Unraveling the Intersection of Socio-Economic Dynamics and Family Planning Accessibility: Insights from Women of Reproductive Age in Kween District, Eastern Uganda

The provision and utilization of Family Planning (FP) services play a pivotal role in not only safeguarding women's health but also significantly enhancing the overall well-being of their partners, children, and the wider societal fabric. Studies have estimated that optimizing FP services could potentially save 32% of maternal lives and 10% of child lives. In light of these critical implications, this research delves into the multifaceted factors hindering women's access to Family Planning Services within the precincts of the Kween district. Employing a cross-sectional descriptive study design, this investigation focuses on women aged between 18-49 years. Data collection involved survey questionnaires administered to a strategically sampled group of 40 women. The quantitative data underwent meticulous analysis utilizing SPSS version 20, while qualitative data was subjected to content and thematic analysis, presenting findings in a verbatim format. The study revealed that while 47.5% of women were utilizing modern FP methods, encompassing pills, implants, and injectables, there existed a notable unmet contraceptive need of 25%, coupled with a 22.5% contraceptive discontinuation rate. The primary deterrent to accessing modern FP methods stemmed from acceptability issues entrenched in prevailing myths, notably the erroneous beliefs associating Family Planning with infertility and the culturally unfavorable birth of twins. Moreover, the discontinuation of modern FP methods predominantly stemmed from reported side effects such as excessive bleeding, backaches, and headaches. Additionally, the research underscored a correlation between the utilization of modern FP methods, women's educational attainment, and demographic factors like the number of living male children and participation in polygamous marriages. Intriguingly, religious affiliations had a limited impact on FP method utilization, as women demonstrated a tendency to contravene religious doctrines to access FP services despite religious opposition. This study illuminates critical barriers obstructing women's access to and sustained use of modern FP methods in the Kween district, emphasizing the urgency for tailored interventions addressing socio-cultural misconceptions, side-effect management, and demographic sensitivities to foster more inclusive and effective FP service delivery in similar contexts. Keywords: Family Planning, Contraceptives, Injectables, Implants.

Conditional cash transfers and women's reproductive choices.

We study potential non-targeted effects of a large-scale national conditional cash transfer program-Peru's Juntos-on the fertility and reproductive decisions of adult beneficiaries. We use an event study design, exploiting time and geographic variation in the rollout of the program, to identify the causal effects of the program. We find that Juntos decreases the number of children that adult beneficiaries have and that these effects persist over time. We explore various mechanisms and find that Juntos does not affect fertility preferences but rather empowers women to avoid unwanted births. We provide evidence that this decrease is most likely due to better access to and more extensive use of modern birth control methods.

A cross-sectional study on assessment of birth control methods in family planning facilities among pregnant mothers in parts of Hong, Adamawa State, Nigeria

The study assessed the knowledge, accessibility and utilized birth control methods among pregnant mothers. Surveys and choice-type questionnaires were the study methodology used. A total of 222 pregnant women were drawn at random from three different health facilities in Hong. Frequency and percentage were used in the data presentation. Age group 36–50 (47.1%) years, NCE/Diploma (38.1%), civil servant (25.1%), pregnant women with parity of 3 and 4 children (24.8%) and child spacing of ≥ 2 years (53.4%) had the highest number of subjects, according to the sociodemographic characteristics of those who participated. Participant's knowledge of and access to birth control methods revealed those who were already sensitized (83.3%), knowledge source of birth control method was hospital (46.3%), who knew the precise time of ovulation (65.2%), who had access to birth control through Primary Health Care centers and acknowledge the importance of birth control techniques (80.5%) recorded high numbers of participants. According to the utilization of birth control techniques, the highest rates were seen in both participants who frequently breastfed and utilized a calendar or rhythm with equal score (40.5%) as a natural method of birth control, those who employ coitus interruptus (54.3%), menstruated while breastfeeding (56.6%), and who frequently used condoms, pills etc. (37.4%). Additionally, 57.4% cited cost serve as a barrier for condom utilization, while 58.2% cited their culture and religious beliefs have not prevented them from utilizing birth control. Therefore, Birth control technique sensitization at home and health care center, level of education alongside availability and access point to modern contraceptive at health care influence utilization of both natural and modern methods of birth control.

Factors influencing the utilization of the Modern Family Planning (MFP) method under the National Health Insurance in Indonesia: An analysis of the 2017 IDHS

Background: Indonesia recently implemented a National Health Insurance program while simultaneously grappling with the challenge of unmet family planning needs. Objective: This study aimed to examine the correlation between health insurance ownership and the utilization of family planning methods among married/in-union women in Indonesia. Methods: This study employed secondary data analysis using the 2017 Indonesian Demography and Health Survey (IDHS). The analysis included a sample of 18,411 married/in-union women. Univariate, bivariate (Chi-square test), and multivariate (binary logistic regression) analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between health insurance ownership and the utilization of family planning methods. Results: The analysis revealed that a small proportion of individuals with health insurance utilized family planning services. Several factors were found to be associated with the utilization of family planning services, including ownership of health insurance, women's age, family planning decision-maker, socioeconomic status (as measured by being in the richest quintile), and higher education attainment. Conclusion: The findings of this study provide important insights for policymakers and public health practitioners regarding the integration of national health insurance programs and family planning initiatives in Indonesia. It is crucial to address the low utilization rate of family planning services among those with health insurance. Future research should focus on fostering collaboration among all stakeholders to promote comprehensive education on freely accessible contraceptive methods, aiming to bridge the gap between policy implementation and effective utilization of family planning services.

The Impact of Behavioral Economics-Based Counseling and Mobile Phone Text Educational and Reminder Messages on the Use of Modern Family Planning in Jordan: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial.

Favorable attitudes toward modern family planning methods (MFPMs) among Jordanian and Syrian women do not always translate into behavioral changes, and the availability and cost of MFPMs do not appear to be related to either prior stalls in fertility rates in Jordan or to the current and likely temporary decline in fertility rates. This study aimed to determine whether behavioral economics (BE)-based family planning interventions influence the use of any family planning method, MFPMs use, continuation of MFPMs use, and pregnancy rates among women in Jordan. The BE-based family planning interventions included personalized text messaging and augmented counseling based on framing and identity-priming BE principles, with their effects tested over a 9-month period in the postpartum period following the birth of a child. A parallel-group cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare two interventions, augmented counseling based on framing and identity-priming BE principles and personalized mobile phone text messages reminders, aiming to improve the utilization of MFPMs among postpartum women over status quo family planning services in comprehensive health centers in the north of Jordan. In total, 1032 participated in the study: 295 women in the control group; 326 women in Intervention Group 1, which received only augmented counseling; and 411 women in intervention Group 2, which received augmented counseling and monthly text messages. The rates of using MFPMs in the counseling group and the counseling and messages group 3 months (54.7% and 57.1%, respectively), 6 months (50.0% and 51.7%, respectively), and 9 months (49.5% and 52.0%, respectively) were significantly higher than the rates among women in the control group (40.6% at 3 months, 37.6% at 6 months, and 34.3% at 9 months). Overall, 26.8% of women in the control group, 42.1% of women in the counseling-only group, and 45.2% of women in the counseling and messages group used MFPMs continuously for all 9 months. At 9 months, the pregnancy rate was significantly much higher in the control group (13.7%) compared to women in the counseling-only group (7.0%) and to women in the counseling and messages group (7.4%). Simple BE-based interventions can be effective methods for enhancing the use of MFPMs and maintaining the anticipated decline in Jordan's total fertility rate.

Continuous Spatial Mapping of the Use of Modern Family Planning Methods in Nigeria

Continuous Spatial Mapping of the Use of Modern Family Planning Methods in Nigeria

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Family Planning among Currently Married PAHARI Cast Women in Nepal

Family planning contributes to improving health and ensuring access to adequate food, clothing, housing, and educational opportunities for people. This study simply tried to analyze the “Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of family planning among PAHARI cast women” with respect to socio-economic condition of the sample size of the population in the study area. The study found that knowledge of at least one modern method of family planning is almost universal among currently married PAHARI cast women. This study found more than 98 percent PAHARI has knowledge of at least one family planning method but the users are only 62.7 per cent of any method and the modern method family planning users are only 60 per cent. These finding figures clear the low-use patterns of family planning devices in the study population of the study area.

Factors Associated with Utilization of Modern Family Planning Methods among Married Women of Tharu Community of Madhuwan Municipality in Bardiya District of Nepal

INTRODUCTION: The use of modern family planning methods varies by province in Nepal from a low of 37% in Province 4 to a high of 49% in Province 3 There is no previous study has documented on the factors associated with utilization of modern family planning methods among married women of Tharu community in Bardiya district of Nepal, so this study is expected to provide information on influencing factors and hindering factors for utilization of family planning methods and its prevalence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Community based cross-sectional to find out factors associated with utilization of modern family planning method among married women of Tharu community of Madhuwan Municipality in Bardiya district of Nepal. Multistage cluster sampling was adopted. Sample size was calculated as 383. Face-to-face interview technique was adopted to collect data. Chi-square test was applied. A p-value of &lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Among all respondents (n=383), the current users of modern family planning methods were 72.3%. More than one fourth (28.7%) of the respondents were currently using sterilization family planning method. DMPA, OCP, Implant, Condom and IUCD current users were 17%, 10.7%, 8.6%, 4.4% and 2.9% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Finding showed that most of the respondents were using female sterilization FP method which was only available at hospital or camp setting. So, the government should manage such an environment for family planning so that it is easily accessible to every desired couple.

Maternal socio-demographic and obstetric determinants for low birth weight in maternity hospitals in Asmara, Eritrea: a cross-sectional study

Background: Birth weight of the neonate is a good proxy indicator of the newborn’s chances for survival, growth, health and psychosocial development. This study is aimed at determining the maternal socio-demographic and obstetrical factors for low birth weight (LBW) and its prevalence. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was employed using questionnaires and birth weight measurement of the neonate on 806 mother-neonate pairs. Results: The prevalence rate of low birth weight at the selected hospitals at the study period was 9.1% (95% CI = 7.1% - 11.0%). LBW was associated with marital status, sex of the neonate, partner employment status, socio-economic position of the household, number of ANC visits, gravidity, utilization of modern Family Planning (FP) methods and illnesses during current pregnancy. Conclusion: This study identified various socio-economic, demographic, obstetric and health service utilization factors. It is therefore recommended that multifaceted and coordinated measures to address these issues are required to reduce LBW to its lowest level.

Socioeconomic inequalities in the continuum of care across women’s reproductive life cycle in Bangladesh

We examined the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and continuum of care (CoC) completion rate in maternal, neonatal, and child health among mothers in Bangladesh. We used data from the Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey (BDHS) from 2017 to 2018. Our findings were based on the responses of 1527 married women who had at least one child aged 12 to 23 months at the time of the survey. As a measure of SES, we focused on the standard of living (hereinafter referred to as wealth). The CoC for maternal and child health (MNCH) services is the study's outcome variable. The CoC was calculated using seven MNCH interventions: four or more antenatal care (ANC) visits with a skilled practitioner, delivery by a skilled birth attendant, post-natal care for mothers (PNCM) within two days of giving birth, post-natal care for newborns (PNCM) within two days of birth, immunization, age-appropriate breastfeeding, and maternal current use of modern family planning (FP) methods. Only 18.1% of Bangladeshi women completed all seven MNCH care interventions during the reproductive life span. Participants in the high SES group were 2.30 times (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.61–3.28) more likely than those in the low SES group to have higher composite care index (CCI) scores. Women with secondary or higher secondary education, as well as women who were exposed to mass media at least once a week, women who lived in an urban setting, women who had an intended pregnancy, and women with one parity, are associated with high CCI scores when other sociodemographic variables are considered. The complete CoC for MNCH reveals an extremely low completion rate, which may suggest that Bangladeshi mothers, newborns, and children are not receiving the most out of their present health care. Participants in the high SES group displayed higher CCI values than those in the low SES group, indicating that SES is one of the primary drivers of completion of CoC for MNCH services.

Contraceptive Usage Frequency and its Associated Factors Amongst Married Women in District Okara, Punjab

Aim: To determine the frequency and associated factors of contraceptives usage amongst married women in District Okara, Punjab. Methodology: To highlight the factors that have a positive impact in increasing the knowledge and all the barriers that hinder the usage of contraceptive a regional survey was conducted in which 350 married women 175 from rural and 175 from urban areas of Okara were selected through convenient sampling. Logistic regression was used in determination of the link between different explanatory variables with outcome variables that was the usage of contraceptives. Results: 37.42% women used contraceptives in both rural and urban areas of Okara. Different economic activity shaped by various social factors was pinpointed. Information, education and facts about modern birth control methods, women’s bodily autonomy and the need to have another newborn in future were a few of highlighted associated factors. Conclusions: This study depicts that women empowerment was consistently and positively linked with intention to use contraception. Moreover, updated and modern information related contraceptive services and personal motivation to have a child were the censorious factors in usage of present time contraceptive services. Hence these aroused problems need serious attention in formulating policies regarding maternal health in Pakistan. Keywords: Maternal health, contraceptive services, lady health care workers