Abstract

According to the Uganda Demographic and Health Survey, most women and men knew some family planning methods
but only about 29% of married women were using contraceptives. 20% of women had an unmet need for family planning.
We examined knowledge, attitudes and contraceptive practice as well as factors related to contraceptive use in Fort
Portal region Uganda. Methods: Data were collected between Sept-Nov 2023 among 160 married couples using a
multi-stage sampling design. Quantitative data was based on semi-structured questionnaires and was triangulated
with qualitative data collected during focus group discussions. We compared proportions and performed logistic
regression analysis. The concept of family planning was well-known in the studied population. Sex-stratified analysis
showed pills and injectables were commonly known by both sexes, while long-term contraceptive methods were better
known by women, and traditional methods as well as emergency contraception by men. Formal education was the most
important factor associated with better knowledge about contraceptive methods (aOR = 2.07, p,0.001), in particular
among women (aOR women = 2.77 vs. aOR men = 1.49; p,0.001). In general, only 1 out of 160 men ever used
contraception, while 65% and 44% of females ever used and were currently using contraception respectively. The high
knowledge of contraceptives did not match with the high contraceptive practice in the study area. The study
demonstrated that mere physical access (proximity to clinics for family planning) and awareness of contraceptives are
not sufficient to ensure that contraceptive needs are met. Thus, projects aiming at increasing contraceptive use should
contemplate and establish better counselling about contraceptive side effects and method switches. Furthermore, in all
family planning activities, both wives’ and husbands’ participation should be considered.
Keywords: Family planning, Contraceptive use, Women, Men, Married couples.