Determinants of modern family planning method maintenance and change in Uganda

Roselline Achola, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Francis Tukwasibwe, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
Jackson Chekweko, Reproductive Health Uganda

Background: Uganda’s population is growing fast with annual growth rate of 3.0% and TFR of 6.2. The modern CPR is 26% (2011 UDHS), with unmet need of 34%.This paper focuses on determinants of family planning method maintenance/change. Methodology: A cross-sectional design (qualitative and quantitative)involving 658 respondents using structured questionnaires, FGDs and KIIs were used. Results: The study revealed statistically significant association between four factors and maintenance/change of family planning method. Thirty one percent had changed contraceptive method and 69% maintained. Over 80% who lived in one area maintained a method, 76% of women who had same preference with spouses on the number of children maintained method as compared to 57% who did not have same preference. Sixty five percent of the women using contraceptives were encouraged by their husbands as opposed to 35% who had never. Conclusions: Maintenance/change of a method was determined mainly by male partner encouragement.