Abstract

The provision and utilization of Family Planning (FP) services play a pivotal role in not only
safeguarding women's health but also significantly enhancing the overall well-being of their
partners, children, and the wider societal fabric. Studies have estimated that optimizing FP
services could potentially save 32% of maternal lives and 10% of child lives. In light of these
critical implications, this research delves into the multifaceted factors hindering women's
access to Family Planning Services within the precincts of the Kween district. Employing a
cross-sectional descriptive study design, this investigation focuses on women aged between
18-49 years. Data collection involved survey questionnaires administered to a strategically
sampled group of 40 women. The quantitative data underwent meticulous analysis utilizing
SPSS version 20, while qualitative data was subjected to content and thematic analysis,
presenting findings in a verbatim format. The study revealed that while 47.5% of women were
utilizing modern FP methods, encompassing pills, implants, and injectables, there existed a
notable unmet contraceptive need of 25%, coupled with a 22.5% contraceptive
discontinuation rate. The primary deterrent to accessing modern FP methods stemmed from
acceptability issues entrenched in prevailing myths, notably the erroneous beliefs
associating Family Planning with infertility and the culturally unfavorable birth of twins.
Moreover, the discontinuation of modern FP methods predominantly stemmed from reported
side effects such as excessive bleeding, backaches, and headaches. Additionally, the research
underscored a correlation between the utilization of modern FP methods, women's
educational attainment, and demographic factors like the number of living male children and
participation in polygamous marriages. Intriguingly, religious affiliations had a limited
impact on FP method utilization, as women demonstrated a tendency to contravene religious
doctrines to access FP services despite religious opposition. This study illuminates critical
barriers obstructing women's access to and sustained use of modern FP methods in the
Kween district, emphasizing the urgency for tailored interventions addressing socio-cultural
misconceptions, side-effect management, and demographic sensitivities to foster more
inclusive and effective FP service delivery in similar contexts.
Keywords: Family Planning, Contraceptives, Injectables, Implants.