Barriers to Adoption of Family Planning among Women in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Abstract
The objectives of this survey were to identify women’s level of KAP toward FP; identify possible barriers to using FP; determine pregnancy spacing pattern; and ascertain the level of FP promotion by health workers. This was a 2-weeks cross-sectional survey at all maternity units in Butembo of post-partum women. 572 women were interviewed. FP knowledge was high (76%), perception good (80%). Majority used traditional methods (65%), mostly Calendar method (72%). Barriers to using modern FP included lack of knowledge, fear of side effects, religious considerations and husband opposition. Unmet need for spacing and limiting was high (21 & 31%).For majority (56%), pregnancy spacing met WHO’s Healthy Timing and Spacing of Pregnancy recommendations. Promotion of FP was poor (42%). Training of health workers, advocating modern contraception, improving FP services in all public health facilities and promoting FP on each contact of women is highly recommended in this city (Afr J Reprod Health 2011; 15[1]: 69-77).
Résumé
Obstacles à l’adoption de la planification familiale parmi les femmes dans l’est de la République Démocratique du Congo. Cette enquête avait pour objectifs d’identifier le niveau CAP du FP, les obstacles possibles à l’emploi de la FP, de déterminer les habitudes d’espacement des naissances et le niveau de la promotion de la PF par le personnel sanitaire. Il s’agissait d’une enquête transversale qui a duré deux semaines, auprès de toutes les femmes du post partum dans toutes les unités de soins maternels à Butembo. Nous avons interrogé au total 572 femmes. Le niveau de la connaissance de la PF était élevé (76%), la perception était bonne (80%). La plupart d’entre elles utilisaient les méthodes traditionnelles (65%) surtout la méthode du calendrier (72%). Les obstacles à l’utilisation des méthodes modernes comprennent le manque de connaissance, la peur des effets secondaires, des considérations religieuses et l’opposition par le mari. Les besoins non satisfaits de l’espacement et de la limitation des naissances étaient d’un niveau élevé (21% & 31%). Pour la majorité (56%), l’espacement de grossesse était conforme aux recommandations de l’OMS. Nous préconisons bien la formation du personnel de santé, le plaidoyer en faveur de l’usage des méthodes modernes, l’amélioration des services de la PF dans tous les établissements de santé publics et la promotion de la PF à chaque contact des femmes dans cette ville (Afr J Reprod Health 2011; 15[1]: 69-77).
Keywords: Pregnancy Spacing; Family Planning; Congo
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