Utilization of Contraceptives among Women of Reproductive Age Attending Ngong Sub-County Hospital in Kajiado County, Kenya

Abstract

Background: The main objective of the study was to determine the utilization of contraceptives among women aged (25 –44years) attending Ngong sub-county hospital in Kajiado, Kenya.Methods:This study was conducted at the maternal child health, family planning/outpatient clinicat Ngongsub-county hospital.Thestudy adopted across-sectional study design. The study population waswomen aged between 25-44years.A sample size of 380 was realized and had questionnaires administered to them.Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS version 20 and presented in frequencies, percentages and pie-charts.Chi square was used to determine association between various variables. Data from FGDs (inform of notes was manually coded,using themes generated from responses was analyzed andresultspresented in verbatim form. The study was submitted to KNH/UoN Ethical review committee for ethical approval.Results: The study findings indicate that majority of women were between age 35-39 years. The proportion of women utilizing contraceptives was 80%. Agreater proportion of women 65% preferred Depo-provera injection as a method of contraception. Educationand occupation greatlyinfluenced utilization of contraceptive p value< 0.05.It was noted that the pointof access for contraceptiveshada significant associationwith utilization of contraceptives (chi-square= 0.033, df = 2, P< 0.05).Culture effects werenoted onage, occupation and education and hence a further significance with utilization of contraceptives.Conclusion:Aproportion of 80% of women using contraceptives most women have seen the need to space theirbirths and therefore areconscious of their health and that of their babies. However there are women who are still not in any method which is an indication of exposing themselves to unintended/ unplanned pregnancy and abortions.For the success of family planning programs, male involvement is critical as they play an important role in the decision making process and use of contraceptives.Thereis need to encourage the community and their leaders to promote formal education so that the girl childcan be empowered through education. This will boost her self-esteem and is able to make informed choices overreproductive issues.