Social constraints to utilization of contraceptives among women in Ndhiwa sub-county, Homa bay county, Kenya

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the social constrains to utilization of contraceptives among women in Ndhiwa Sub-county. It adopted a descriptive survey approach in this study with 164 respondents formed of married women of reproductive ages selected randomly from the two divisions, namely Pala and Riana. Questionnaire was used to collect data. The data were analyzed through stepwise multiple regression model using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS). Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to find out how independent variables were related to contraceptive use. Findings revealed that infant & child mortality and spouses’ perceptions on contraception use had significant relationship with contraceptive use. Through stepwise multiple regression model, it was possible to identify two major barriers; infant & child mortality and spouses’ perceptions on contraception use as the predictors of contraceptive use among women in Ndhiwa Sub-county. There was no significant relationship between fears of side effects. The study concludes that infant & child mortality and spouses’ perceptions on contraception use were found to be a barrier to contraceptive use. The study recommend that policy makers and family planning programme managers incorporate leaders in family planning campaign programmes to reduce child mortality and enlighten men to be more involved and participate fully in family planning.