Factors influencing decision making regarding family planning among women in Livingstone District

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine factors influencing women‘s decision making regarding family planning use among women. The study was conducted in Livingstone District. A cross-sectional, descriptive study design with both qualitative and quantitative approach was used. The study population was the women of child bearing age residing in Livingstone peri urban district who had given birth in the last three months or those who were six (6) days postnatal at the time of the study. Literature review high lights relevant research findings on factors influencing women‘s decision making regarding family planning use.Databases searched were, Pub med, Hinari, Internet, Google scholar, books, articles, professional papers and published and unpublished dissertations. The purpose of the study was to determine the factors that influence women‘s decision making regarding family planning use among mothers delivered in Livingstone District. A sample of 397 respondents was systematically sampled at Maramba health centre catchment population. Two Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted at the health centre. Interview schedules and focus group discussion guide were used to collect data for a period of three months. Data analysis was conducted using Statistical Package in Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 software, and data were presented using frequency tables, pie charts, histograms and cross-tabulations. Data from open ended questions were categorized, coded, entered and analysed using SPSS version 16. Data from closed ended questions was coded, entered and analysed using SPSS version 16. Chi square test was used to test for associations between independent and dependent variables. FGDs were analysed by content analysis and the most useful information that emerged from the discussions was selected and used to illustrate the main points. The study revealed that 99% respondents had adequate levels of knowledge about family planning, and that 74% heard it from health personnel, this was due to the information, education, and communication strategies coupled with service counselling and outreach programmes that are instituted in the district.The study revealed significant association between women‘s knowledge of family planning and their decision making on family planning use p value= 0.000 The study revealed significant association between women‘s level of education and their involvement in family planning decision making p value = 0.033, and Child gender preference was also significantly associated with women‘s decision on family planning p value 0.000. Religious influence was not significantly associated with women‘s decision on family planning p value = .825.There was no significant association between fear of side effects and women‘s decision on family planning p value 0.261.The results will be disseminated to relevant stakeholders after data analysis. This study recommends that the Ministry of Health should put in place measures to strengthen Information Education and Communication (IEC) programs in all health facilities to increase knowledge regarding family planning decision making among women and this will also improve their perceptions and usage for example to increase knowledge about family planning decision making among women and keep on training community based volunteers, like community health workers and reproductive health supporters so that they can teach women and communities where they live. A follow up study should be conducted to explore age, marital status, dowrypayment and women‘s practices for family planning use and decision making challenges. It is envisaged that the study results will be used by Maternal and Child Health programs to give evidence-based IEC and increase knowledge of family planning up take among women so that they make their own decisions regarding family planning use It is hoped that the findings will be useful to plan family planning programs according to the needs of the communities in Livingstone District, and to improve their reproductive health and decrease their risk of new-born and maternal health complications.This will help Zambia advance toward meeting Millennium Development Goals 4 and 5: to reduce child mortality and improve maternal health.