Contraceptive uptake among women of reproductive age in Kakuma refugee camp in Turkana county, Kenya

Abstract

Contraceptive prevalence rate is the proportion of women of reproductive age who areusing (or whose partners are using) contraceptive method to prevent conception at agiven point in time. Family planning promotion is a unique medical intervention becauseof its potential benefits, which include reduction of poverty, maternal and child mortalityamong others. Despite increasing contraceptive availability, unintended pregnancyremains a global problem, representing as many as 30% of all known pregnancies.Various strategies have been proposed to reverse this disturbing trend. However, severalfactors affect uptake of contraceptives. Little is known on the factors affecting uptake ofcontraceptives in Kakuma Refugee Camp. This was a cross-sectional study employingquantitative and qualitative designs to investigate the factors affecting uptake ofcontraceptives among women of reproductive age in Kakuma Refugee Camp. The studyinvestigated the effect of demographic, socio-economic and cultural factors affecting useof contraceptives. The research instruments were a structured questionnaire, Focus Group Discussions and key informant interviews. The study subjects were 487 women in thereproductive age (15 - 49 years). Data was analysed using PAS software and descriptivestatistics generated. In addition, chi square test and logistic regression analysis were usedto determine the factors affecting uptake of contraceptives. Content analysis was employedon qualitative data. Findings showed that the current contraceptive prevalence rate was at19.2 % with majority using the pill and injectable contraception. A total of 32.4 % didnot know any method of.ccntraception, and 10.7 % had heard of one method, 32.0 % hadheard about two methods and 24.8 % had heard of about three or more methods. Resultof logistic regression revealed that: the age of women, their education level, inter-spousalcommunication about family planning, awareness of contraceptive methods, and husbanddisapproval of family planning services had positive significant effect on contraceptiveuptake. Those who belonged to the Muslim religion were more likely to use contraceptives(OR2.l, chi square - 10.137, p<O.002). Women with no education were OR2.6 times morelikely to use contraceptives p<O.OOOl.Age group between 15-19 years old had positivesignificant effect on contraceptive use (p<O.0094) OR 1.9. Married women had negativesignificant association with contraceptive use than unmarried women with significantp<O.OOIand OR 0.238. Contraceptive uptake remains low; therefore, effective educationaland counselling interventions will improve consumers' knowledge and subsequent uptakeof contraceptive usage.