Utilization of Modern Contraceptives and Associated Factors among Women of Reproductive Age in Aweil State Hospital, Northern Bhar El Ghazal, South Sudan
Abstract:
The uptake of modern contraceptive
services in South Sudan is poor across all regional, social, economic and
political divides. Hence, this
study aimed to assess demographic, knowledge, attitude and perception related
factors on uptake of modern contraceptive among women of reproductive age in
Aweil State hospital. A
cross-sectional design was conducted among 411 women of reproductive age. Data
was collected through face-to-face interviews using structured questionnaires
and analyzed with SPSS software. The lifetime Uptake of contraceptive use was
calculated as the proportion of women who had ever used any modern family
planning method. Logistic regression model was applied to identified factors
influencing contraceptive use (at the significance level p < 0.05). The
result revealed that the lifetime uptake of modern contraceptive methods was
15.3% [injectables (5.8%), implants (5.1%), pills (3.2%), male condoms (0.7%),
and emergency contraceptives (0.5%)]. Multivariable analysis showed that discussing
contraceptives with a spouse (aOR=98.34), having spousal approval (aOR=38.12),
high level of education (OR=9.45), having good knowledge (aOR=3.367) and a
positive perception (aOR=1.665) increased usage. Mothers intending to have more
children were less likely to use them (aOR=0.187). Hence, the study revealed a very low uptake of modern
contraceptives among women of reproductive age, which was significantly associated with being good spousal
communication and approval, receiving information from health facilities and
maintaining positive perceptions towards modern contraceptives are associated
with increased contraceptive use. The study
recommends the Ministry of Health to promote modern contraceptive education by
integrating family planning into broader health education and community health
initiatives.
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