Factors Influencing Utilisation of Modern Family Planning Methods Among Sexually Active Adolescents in Mukungwe Sub-county, Masaka District, Uganda.

Abstract

The study was carried out basing on the topic “Factors influencing utilization of modern family planning methods among sexually active adolescents in Mukungwe Sub-county”. It aimed at determining the individual factors, socio-economic factors and health related factors influencing the utilization of modern family planning methods among the sexually active adolescents. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative research designs where both questionnaires and interview guides were used to collect data from the field. All data was grouped and analyzed in a statistical way where by data was presented in tables showing frequencies and percentages. The following results were obtaining basing on the study finding; the individual factors influencing the utilization of contraceptives are age, fear to use contraceptives, education background, adolescent knowledge towards FPM is an important predictor to level of family planning usage among the youths among other factors. The socio-economic factors influencing family planning use among the adolescents include economic status of an individual, level of education of individuals, religious beliefs, spouse discussion and support, social development and rapid urbanization among others. The health facility factors affecting the utilization of modern family planning methods among the sexually active adolescents included confidentiality and privacy situations at the health facility; nearness of a health facility to adolescent’s residence, welcoming and friendly health workers conditions, attitude of a health worker among others. The researcher recommends the government that there is need for sensitization of the adolescents about the family planning methods and their applicability; Health care workers should develop a positive attitude towards adolescents, the MoH should organize awareness seminars in which female adolescents are advised to first seek medical advice from the hospitals and the government should also subsidize all family planning methods. Still there is need for hospitals to set up private sectors for youths.