Knowledge and Attitude Towards Female Condom Use among Women Attending Antenatal Services in Kitgum Hospital.

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to establish the knowledge and attitude of women attending antenatal services in Kitgum Hospital.

Methodology: The study adopted a cross-sectional study design where data were collected and Analyzed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The respondents included the mothers and nurses/ midwives working in antenatal unit and they were administered with 384 questionnaires whereas the top management and administrative staffs were interviewed. Focus group discussions were conducted among few selected health workers working in other wards.

Findings: indicated that low level of education, spousal attitude, and religion belief were some of the factors that hinder uptake of female condoms that in turn lead to consequences. On the other hand, factors like level of exposure, knowledge and attitude of mothers does not interfere with the uptake of female condom. Of out of 330 mothers interviewed only 34 (10.3%) agreed to have used female condom and 296 (89.7%) disagreed.

In conclusion female condom uptake among mothers attending antenatal services in Kitgum general hospital is very low due to some of the above factors.

Recommendation: There is a need for the district official and the available partners to reconsider their strategy as regards the promotion of the female condom in the district. Sensitizing/ educating the general public about the female condom and training them how to use it is vital. They need to know why they should use the female condom and its advantages to women should be fully explained.