FACTORS INFLUENCING THE UPTAKE OF FAMILY PLANNING METHODS AMONG FEMALES AGED (15-49) AT MARIESTOPES CENTRE MAKERERE- KAVULE, KAMPALA DISTRICT. A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

Abstract

Introduction:
According to WHO, family planning is the ability of individuals and couples to anticipate and attain their desired number of children and the spacing and timing of their births.
Objectives of the study:
The main objective of the study was to determine the factors influencing the uptake of family planning services among females aged 15-49 years at Marie Stopes Centre, Makerere-Kavule, Kampala District.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional one in which a quantitative method of data collection was used. The researcher utilized simple random sampling on 80 respondents from December 2022 to January 2023 at Marie Stopes Centre Makerere-Kavule. The data collection process was based on the use of self-administered questionnaires which were filled, cleaned, and later analyzed using tables, graphs, and pie charts.
Results:
Out of the 80 respondents in the study, the majority (46.25%) of the respondents were between (20-30) years old, graduates 36(45%), and 45(56%) were marrieds. The study revealed that the leading factors influencing the uptake of family planning at Marie Stopes Centre Kavule included; the cost of family planning services (90%), the age of first sexual intercourse (70%), and accessibility (78%)
Conclusion:
According to the results, factors influencing the uptake of family planning methods included socio-economic factors [i.e. employment status, cost of family planning, level of education], demographic factors [i.e. marital status, age of first sexual intercourse], and health-related factors [i.e. accessibility, age of service providers]. People prefer receiving their family planning services from the private sector compared to the public sector, they also prefer receiving family planning services from service providers who are elderly and experienced, rather than young service providers.
Recommendations :
The researcher recommends that the cost of family planning methods be reduced and service providers be of mixed ages. This will build up trust among family planning utilizers.