Health facility factors contributing to uptake of long-acting reversible contraceptives among women of reproductive age attending Mukono general hospital, Mukono district. A cross-sectional study.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71020/jwhr.v3i4.46Keywords:
Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs), women of reproductive age, Accessibility of health services, Counseling services, Reproductive health, Mukono General HospitalAbstract
Background:
Despite their availability in health facilities, uptake remains low in Uganda, contributing to high rates of unintended pregnancies and poor reproductive health outcomes. This study aimed to assess health facility factors contributing to the uptake of LARCs among women of reproductive age attending Mukono General Hospital in Mukono District.
Methodology:
A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed among 50 women of reproductive age selected using simple random sampling. Data were collected using researcher-administered questionnaires from participants attending outpatient, maternal and child health clinics, and inpatient wards. Data were analyzed manually and using Microsoft Excel, and results were presented in tables, graphs, and charts.
Results:
Most respondents (36%) were aged 25–29 years, 40% had secondary education, and 42% were married. Additionally, 56% resided in urban areas, and 34% were self-employed. Regarding health facility factors, 54% reported ease of access to health facilities, although 58% lived more than 15 km away. Nearly half (46%) indicated that LARCs were fairly available, and 60% had received counseling from healthcare providers. The majority (64%) perceived healthcare providers as adequately trained, while 38% reported a fairly positive provider attitude. However, 62% experienced difficulties in obtaining LARCs, mainly due to long waiting times (61.29%).
Conclusion:
Health facility factors, including distance, limited availability, long waiting times, and inadequate follow-up services, significantly influence the uptake of LARCs.
Recommendations:
There is a need for the health facilities to increase g staffing in family planning units, improve supply chains to reduce stock-outs, strengthen counseling and follow-up services, and enhance accessibility to improve uptake of LARCs.
References
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William, T., et al. (2022). Health facility factors influencing contraceptive use in Mityana District, Uganda.
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