Case records and commentaries in obstetrics and gynaecology
Abstract
A SURVEY ON THE PHYSICIANS' KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, PRACTICE AND PROVISION
OF FAMILY PLANNING AT KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL
SUMMARY
A study on the knowledge, attitude, practice and provision of family
planning by 220 physicians was carried out at Kenyatta National Hospital
(KNH), Kenya's only University teaching hospital. This was a pilot
project to try and determine how basic knowledge on contraception,
attitudes, provision and personal contraceptive practice among health
providers may affect the utilisation of family planning programme
in Kenya.
The physicians were concerned about the population of Kenya, its
present growth rate and favoured family planning. Seventy per cent
felt that more money should be used on National Family Planning
Programme (NFPP) to ensure adequate provision of services. Ninety one
per cent were concerned with adolescent sexuality and fertility.
Sixty seven per cent indicated that they should be offered contraceptive
services. Seventy six percent and 75% of the physicians indicated
that the family health field educator and the community health worker,
respectively, should distribute barrier methods. The physicians felt
reluctant about these cadres of health workers dispensing the other
methods. Twenty nine percent felt that community based distribution
programme (CBD) is safe and contraceptives and condoms should be
community based for easier availability.
Ninety percent of the physicians had practised contraception and fifty
five percent were currently on a method. Intrauterine contraceptive
device was the method of choice with 33.3% of the contraceptors using
it. Four percent had had tubal ligation and 1.7% vasectomy.
Citation
Degree of Master of MedicinePublisher
University of Nairobi Department of Medicine
Description
Degree of Master of Medicine
in obstetrics and gynaecology
of the
University of Nairobi