Abstract

This study assessed the factors associated with the utilization of LARCM among women
attending the family planning (FP) clinic at Kampala International University Teaching
Hospital. A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used for this study. The data was
collected using a structured questionnaire in an exit interview of clients that had come to
Kampala International University Teaching Hospital for family planning services after
obtaining consent. Collected data was entered and analyzed in the computer using IBM SPSS
version 25. Chi-squared analysis was done to determine the factors associated with LARCM
utilization. Results were presented in tables and charts for descriptive analysis. A total of
272 women were included in this study of which, 67.6% (n=184) were aged 26 to 35 years,
and the overall mean (±SD) age was 27.5 (± 4.5) years. 74.3. % (n=202) were married and
69.9% (n=190) were rural dwellers. A few of the participants (20.2%, n=55) were currently
using LARCM. Of the 55 participants who were using LARC methods, the majority 34 (61.8%)
were using implants while the rest 21 (38.2%) were using IUCD. Significant factors were; a
woman’s age of ≤25 years (X2=72.43; P=<0.001), urban residence (X2=16.69; P=<0.001), being
married (X2=25.19; P=<0.001), business occupation (X2=99.22; P=<0.001), Catholic religion
(X2=61.38; P=<0.001), mother’s age at the first delivery of 18-24 years (X2=24.61; P=<0.001),
the reproductive intention of spacing (X2=50.81; P=<0.001), never wanted the last
pregnancy (X2=14.72; P=<0.001), Hospital as the source of FP information (X2=66.82;
P=<0.001), partner influence on FP (X2=16.69; P=<0.001), FP counselling during ANC
(X2=42.01; P=<0.001), receiving contraceptives from hospital (X2=151.61; P=<0.001) and
receiving contraceptive services from the doctor (X2=226.13; P=<0.001). LARCM use was low
and was associated with younger maternal age, urban residence, being married, business
occupation, mother’s age at first delivery, the desire for child spacing, partner influence
on FP, a n d FP counselling during ANC. Therefore, FP education about the benefits of
LARCM should be enhanced by health providers and medi