Abstract:

Contraceptive use has increased throughout the world over the years. They are classified into two categories; Short-term term methods which are used within three months and long term used longer than three months. The study aimed to establish the various factors influencing the utilization of family planning methods by women in the Ting’ang’a Location of Kiambu East District. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted, and 300 women aged 15 to 49 participated. Structured questionnaires, in-depth interview guides, and FGD were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data. A chi-square test at 95% C.l. was used to test the association of variables regarding knowledge, attitude, and cultural practice of Family planning. Out of 300 respondents, 70.3% were married and 17.0% were single. Their mean age was 30.69 years ± 7.905, the youngest being 15 years, the oldest 49 years.  There were 97.0% Christians and 3.0% others and 65.7% had attained primary school. 50.0% currently use modern contraceptives. The Utilization rate was classified as Depo-Provera (50.0%), Implant (21.7%), Pills (19.2%), IUCD (5.6%), Tuba-ligation (1.0%), and others (2.5%). Level of education had no significant (P= 0.490) influence on the current use of FP methods. However, two variables were significant: the age of respondents (P= 0.000) and knowledge of the benefits of FP ( P= 0.000) respectively had an influence on the current use of family planning methods. There was high awareness of FP methods; half of the respondents were currently using a contraceptive. Culture was a key hindrance, constituting 91.1%.

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