FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO UPTAKE OF CONTRACEPTIVES AMONG POSTNATAL WOMEN ATTENDING MATERNAL CHILD HEALTH CLINIC AT JOOTRH HOSPITAL KISUMU COUNTY

Abstract

The government of Kenya and other stakeholders involved in the provision of contraceptives have put in place various strategies and policies to increase uptake of family planning services (contraceptives).These are aimed at increasing contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR), reducing rates of unintended pregnancies and unmet need for family planning services. Despite the various strategies and policies, CPR and unmet need for family planning are estimated at 46% and 24%, respectively. The purpose of this study was to investigate factors contributing to uptake of contraceptive services among postnatal women in Kisumu county. To meet this objective, descriptive cross sectional study design was employed. The study population was postnatal women. Slovin’s formula was employed to arrive at sample size of 51 respondents. Convenience sampling technique was used to collect samples within the study group. Primary data was collected using a structured questionnaire which helped determine factors contributing to uptake of contraceptives among postnatal women. Key findings were presented in form of tables, charts and graphs which included; Knowledge and awareness, social cultural factors, economic factors and myths and misconceptions. The study concluded that factors that influence the uptake of contraceptives among postnatal women include: Costs in FP services, compromised information given to clients, myths and misconceptions, limited access to methods, and religion among others. Key recommendations were;The need to have an FP specific activity budget with realistic plans to address the contraceptive needs within the County, Supply and availability of most preferred methods of Family planning to be maintained so they never run out of stock, the need to sensitize the community about modern family planning methods in order to increase the acceptance of these methods and also help correct the cultural or religion related misconception.