Abstract

Although long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods are highly effective with minimal side effects and
require minimal follow-up, their utilization in Uganda has remained low at 7.8%. The reason for this low uptake is
not clear both at the country local level. Therefore, this study determined the uptake of LARC methods and explored
associated factors among women of reproductive age attending Kampala International University Teaching Hospital
(KIU-TH). A cross-sectional descriptive study design was used for this study. The data was collected using a
pretested structured questionnaire in an exit interview of clients that had come to KIU-TH family planning clinic
after obtaining their 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 LARC methods utilization and a point of
significance was a p value ≤0.05. Results were presented in tables and charts for descriptive analysis. Of the total
122 respondents in the current study, it was found out that seventy-three (59.8%) participants were aged 26 to 25
years, and the mean (±SD) age of participants was 27.3 (± 4.4) years. Eighty-five (69.7%) were married, 81 (66.4%)
were urban residents, 61 (50.0%) were house wives, while only 25 (20.5%) had completed tertiary education. Findings
show that only twenty-six (21.3%) were using LARC methods compared to the majority 96 (78.7%) who were using
short term methods. Factors which were found to be significantly associated with LARC utilization were; age of 26-
25 years (X2=6.13, P=0.047), rural residence (X2=8.59, P=0.003), business occupation (X2=7.93, 0.019), number of
living children between 1 to 3 (X2, P=0.034), how soon to have the next child (X2=23.93, 0.001) and awareness of
modern contraceptive methods (X2=10.71, P=0.001).The utilization of LARC in this study was low and was
associated with age, residence, occupation, number of living children, how soon to have the next child and awareness
of modern contraceptive methods. The researcher recommends that; family planning education about the benefits of
LARC should be done by health providers through media, and also get enough time at the health facilities for health
education about different methods of contraception.