Abstract

The research aimed to assess the factors influencing the utilization of contraceptives among females of reproductive
age seeking health services at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital. Specifically, it sought to establish socio-demographic
characteristics, examine health service factors affecting contraceptive utilization, and determine its prevalence. A
cross-sectional and descriptive research design employing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies was
utilized to ensure the gathered information was representative of the population and captured at a single point in
time. The study discovered a prevalence of contraceptive use among females of 55.7%, with short-term hormonal
methods being the most common at 57.1%. Key findings revealed that females aged 18 to 30 years (57.1%) were
significantly more likely to use contraception (p-value = 0.036), and multiparous individuals (98.2%) were more
inclined to utilize contraception compared to para-one individuals (50.6%) (p-value = 0.024). Moreover, prior
counseling (73.2%) significantly promoted contraceptive usage (p-value = 0.015). In conclusion, despite the observed
prevalence, contraceptive utilization remained relatively low. Recommendations include increasing the availability
of contraceptive services at lower-level health care centers to enhance accessibility, educating mothers visiting
health facilities about contraceptive services, and addressing contraception-related phobias through counseling to
encourage uptake among females.
Keywords: Contraceptives, Females, Reproductive age, Health services, Health facility.