| dc.description.abstract | Unmet need for family planning in Kenya, which had declined considerably between 1993 and 1998, leveled off thereafter to stand at 24% in 1993 and 25% in 2003 (KDHS, 2003). There is a range of obstacles and constraints that determine utilization of family planning services. A recent study showed current use of family planning in Lare location was low at 31 % (KRCS, 2008). Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the factors that influence utilization of family planning services in Lare location.
Descriptive survey research design was used to aid data collection. The unit of analysis was the households in Lare location and the respondents were couples of reproductive age. The sample was 302 households sampled from eight clusters (villages). Cluster sampling was used to come up with a representative proportion of sample. A total of 294 questionnaires were issued to the respondents out of which 280 were returned. This represented 92.7% of the targeted 302 questionnaires. Analysis of the data collected was mainly by SPSS, the computer programme which enabled generation of tables and graphs to represent the findings. The interpretation was based on the set objectives and research questions.
The results of the study agreed with similar studies done previously. More educated persons with better income are likely to utilize family planning services more than a person with lesser education and income. When information on methods of family planning services is given by a health care provider, the information is likely to be more accurate and results to higher utilization of services by the recipient. When a partner approves use of family planning, utilization of services by the couple is likely to be high. Individuals who embrace rumours and myths are unlikely to utilize modern family planning methods because rumours and myths usually instill fear.
Low utilization of family planning services among couples of reproductive age in Lare location has been influenced by several factors. These factors include low level of education, low income, lack of accurate and adequate information on family planning methods and existence of beliefs, rumours and myths that instill fear to potential users. There is also evidence of lack of male involvement in the issues of family planning as men still view family planning solely as a woman's responsibility.
The study makes a recommendation to governmental and non-governmental organizations should come up with interventions to support residents of Lare location fight poverty so as to raise their average income and in so doing increase opportunities of raising their levels of education. In addition, the ministry of Public Health and Sanitation and other partners implementing reproductive health programmes in Lare location should intensify their intervention in terms of awareness rising concerning family planning to ensure that beneficiaries have accurate and adequate information and should also come up with intervention that will encourage men involvement in family planning. Lastly, the study suggests that effect of men involvement to utilization of family planning services should be studied further. | en_US |
