Berhanemeskel Weldegerima1, Alem Denekew. 1. University of Gondar, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, Pharmaceutics Department, School of Pharmacy, P.O.Box 196 Bakafa Road, Gondar, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. aberhaneth@gmail.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Inadequate family planning services are problematic in Ethiopia. Understanding determinants in contraceptive methods use may be instructive in the design of interventions to improve family planning outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To assess determinants of preferences, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of modern contraception among women of reproductive age in Woreta town. METHODS: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in Woreta town, South Gondar zone, Ethiopia in April 2007. A multistage sampling procedure was carried out to interview 400 women in the study area. A pretested structured questionnaire was used for data collection. RESULTS: Eighty-nine percent of respondents were aware of modern contraceptives. Among respondents, 88% knew of at least 2 methods, and 12% knew only 1 method. More than 90% of respondents reported positive attitudes toward modern contraceptive use. The major reasons for nonuse of modern contraceptive methods (MCMs) were being single and a desire for more children. Injectables were the most commonly preferred modern contraceptive (63.2%) followed by oral contraceptive pill (21.2%). Few women reported a preference for the use of condoms (9.5%) or implants (6.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Respondents reported at least modest knowledge of MCMs; however, the results suggest a need for improving accessibility and education among women in this section of Ethiopia.
BACKGROUND: Inadequate family planning services are problematic in Ethiopia. Understanding determinants in contraceptive methods use may be instructive in the design of interventions to improve family planning outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To assess determinants of preferences, knowledge, attitudes, and practices of modern contraception among women of reproductive age in Woreta town. METHODS: A community-based, cross-sectional study was conducted in Woreta town, South Gondar zone, Ethiopia in April 2007. A multistage sampling procedure was carried out to interview 400 women in the study area. A pretested structured questionnaire was used for data collection. RESULTS: Eighty-nine percent of respondents were aware of modern contraceptives. Among respondents, 88% knew of at least 2 methods, and 12% knew only 1 method. More than 90% of respondents reported positive attitudes toward modern contraceptive use. The major reasons for nonuse of modern contraceptive methods (MCMs) were being single and a desire for more children. Injectables were the most commonly preferred modern contraceptive (63.2%) followed by oral contraceptive pill (21.2%). Few women reported a preference for the use of condoms (9.5%) or implants (6.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Respondents reported at least modest knowledge of MCMs; however, the results suggest a need for improving accessibility and education among women in this section of Ethiopia.
Authors: Kirk D Wyatt; Ryan T Anderson; Douglas Creedon; Victor M Montori; John Bachman; Patricia Erwin; Annie LeBlanc Journal: BMC Womens Health Date: 2014-02-13 Impact factor: 2.809