Factors influencing uptake of intra-uterine contraceptive device among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) attending family planning clinic at Embu teaching & referral hospital, Kenya

Abstract

Contraceptives allows an individual to prevent unwanted pregnancy and control when and to become pregnant. An Intrauterine Contraceptive Device (IUCD) also called ‘coil’ is a small device made from plastic and copper which sits inside the uterus. Contraceptive information and services are fundamental to the health and human rights. It helps prevent unintended pregnancies to lower maternal ill-health and the number of pregnancy –related deaths. Delaying pregnancies in young girls who are at increased risk of health problems from early child bearing, and preventing pregnancies among older women who also face increased risks. Globally only 15 % of women of reproductive age use intrauterine device as a contraceptive method while in Sub -Saharan Africa, only 2% of women of reproductive age were using Intrauterine Contraceptive Device. In Kenya 5% of women of reproductive age were using Intrauterine Contraceptive Device as a method of family planning. In Embu County 7.5% of women of reproductive age were using Intrauterine Contraceptive Device according to KNBS 2022. The study objectives included individual, health facility factors influencing uptake of Intra-uterine Contraceptive Device among women of reproductive age attending family planning clinic at Embu Teaching & Referral Hospital and socio-cultural factors influencing uptake of Intra-uterine Contraceptive Device among women of reproductive age attending family planning clinic at Embu Teaching & Referral Hospital. The research study was analytical cross-sectional study design. Census method of sampling technique was used collect data amongst 180 respondents which was the monthly workload. Piloting was done at Meru level 5 hospital among 18 respondents and 5 health care workers, Data was collected using self-researcher administered questionnaire. Data was analyzed using statistical package for social science version 27 and NVIVO version 14.Descriptive analysis was used to obtain frequencies and percentages. The relationship between variables was tested using Chi-Square and logistic regression analysis to check for strength of association. Ethical consideration was observed. The research findings: age was a key determinant in use of IUCD, age category of 30 to 49 years 73.8% (n-177).Parity affected use of IUCD those with two children and above were using the method., majority using had two children and above and were married 69% (n-177).Those with monthly income <10000 were mostly using IUCD at 50.3%,(n-177) hence need to sensitize people on use of IUCD, Information source being Health Care Workers was influential to use of IUCD those who consulted partners were likely to use the method. Male involvement was key that partners supported use of IUCD 78.8% (n-177) Myths and misconceptions 88.9% (n-177) influenced use of IUCD negatively people believed it would migrate to other parts of the body, Cultural beliefs 71.8% (n-177) affected use of IUCD negatively clients believed it was a dirty procedure. The government of Kenya to Champion for campaigns to sensitize women of reproductive age on IUCD and provide more guidelines on IUCD to be provided for clients to have more information. Mentorship to all health care workers working at the family planning clinic at Embu Teaching and Referral Hospital on IUCD counselling, insertion and removal to improve competency.