A study of factors influencing choice of contraceptive method for the urban zambian woman.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to identify the social, cultural, religious and psychological factors that influence choice of contraceptive method for the Zambian woman in urban areas. Knowledge of factors influencing choice of contraceptive method is essential in promoting the use of contraceptives for family planning programmes in Zambia. The review of literature focused upon the contraceptive methods that are popular and the attitudes and practices of people towards modern family planning methods. The instrument used to obtain information from sixty (60) subjects was a structured interview, schedule. The subjects were randomly selected from women attending family planning and ante-natal clinics at Ndola Central Hospital. The interview gathered data about the women's current contraceptive method, their attitudes towards other methods and the cultural beliefs related to family planning methods. It was found that there are a number of factors that influence choice of contraceptive method. Such factors include: purpose for which birth control is intended; psychological make-up; basic attitudes and practices of husband and wife; availability of method; previous experience with different contraceptive methods; and education. The findings of the study imply that there is need for family planning workers to recognise these factors since they have an influence on the delivery of family planning service and to some extent on choice of method. Recognition of these factors will help family planning workers to find better means or ways of encouraging women to use those methods that are most suitable for them. This may mean use of some of the methods that are less popular among these women.