research methodology
COMMUNITY ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS THE USE OF CONTRACEPTIVES AMONG WOMEN IN NAJA SUB COUNTY, BUIKWE DISTRICT
BY
LOY
Chapter one
Background to the study
The widespread adoption of contraceptives represents one of the most dramatic changes of the 20th century. The growing use of contraception around the world has given couples the ability to choose the number and spacing of their children and has tremendous life saving benefits. Yet despite the impressive gains, contraceptive use is still low and the need for contraception high in some of the world’s poorest and most populous places [Smith et al, 2009].
Contraceptive use in the United States is virtually universal among women of reproductive age: 98 percent of all women who had ever had intercourse had used at least one contraceptive method. In 2002, 90 percent had ever had a partner who used the male condom, 82 percent had ever used the oral contraceptive pill, and 56 percent had ever had a partner who used withdrawal [Mosher et al, 2002].
In the developing world, a substantial gap exists between women’s stated reproductive preferences and their use of contraception. Community attitudes and perceptions among women are examined by considering: women’s knowledge about family planning, whether they ever discussed family planning with their husband, and women’s and husband’s approval of family planning Korra, 2000.
In Uganda, an estimated 1.2 million unintended pregnancies occurred in 2008, representing more than half of the country’s 2.2 million pregnancies [Summers, 2013]. The risk of pregnancy increases with a widening gap between sexual debut and age of first marriage. In Uganda nearly two thirds (64 %) of women aged 25–49 years reported early sexual debut before the age of 18 years [UBOS, 2011].
Overall, the use of contraceptives is not openly discussed among women due to strong cultural and religious beliefs, which exposes the women to the increased risk of unwanted/unintended pregnancies. In many African traditional culture settings, pregnancy before marriage is often viewed as an abomination. As such, many unmarried females who get unintended pregnancies seek abortions services for fear of societal judgment. Abortion in Uganda being illegal increases the risk of maternal deaths because it is usually unsafe and at times conducted by traditional herbalists.
Studies have shown that use of contraceptives among women is strongly affected by woman’s education. Other factors that play a role are urban-rural residence, woman’s work status, woman’s status relative to men, religion, culture and taboos, household standard of living (or economic status of the household), exposure to mass media, and community development [Das, 2001]. This study is motivated by the continued reports showing a common occurrence of unintended pregnancies among women seeking services at the health centres in Naja Sub County. Therefore, the study will assess community attitudes and perceptions towards the use of contraceptives among women in Naja Sub County.
Problem statement
Various communities perceive contraceptives differently and many have different attitudes towards them, this leads to differences in contraceptive prevalence rates; this is as a result of various factors. Naja has a low contraceptive prevalence rate and little is known on the factors contributing to the low level of utilization of contraceptive methods, particularly among women. Hence, this study will close this gap by assessing community attitudes and perceptions towards the use of contraceptives among women in Naja Sub County, Buikwe district.
Purpose of the Study
The main purpose of the study will be to assess community attitudes and perceptions towards the use of contraceptives among women in Naja Sub County, Buikwe district
Specific Objectives of the study
To assess community knowledge about contraceptives in Naja sub county.
To learn about community attitudes toward spacing and limiting of childbearing and toward contraceptives in Naja sub county.
To identify factors that influences the use of contraceptive methods among women in Naja Sub County.
Research Questions
Does the community have knowledge about contraceptives in Naja Sub County?
What is the community attitudes and perception toward spacing and limiting of childbearing and toward contraceptives in Naja Sub County?
What factors influence the use of contraceptive methods among women in Naja Sub County?
Scope of the study
The study will aim at assessing community attitudes and perceptions towards the use of contraceptives among women. It will be carried out in Naja Sub County, Buikwe district for a period of four months February to May, 2016.
Significance of the study
The study findings may help in developing new approaches for increasing use of contraceptive methods among women.
The research will help to generate ideas for reducing women’s negative perceptions and attitudes towards use of contraceptives.
The recommendations made by this study may play a role towards improving effective use of contraceptives and family planning services, and thereby contribute towards reaching the millennium development goals by decreasing maternal and child motility.
