title: Knowledge and use of modern family planning methods by rural women in Zambia.
abstract: The main aim of the study was to determine knowledge and use of modern contractive methods among reproductive age group rural women in Zambia. The study is a descriptive cross-sectional study of 105 randomly selected rural women. Data was collected using semi-structured interview schedule and analyzed using EPI Info version 6 statistical packages. The findings revealed that 63% of the respondents were within the age group 21-35 years, 65% were married and 64% were peasant farmers. 90% of the respondents had heard about modern contraceptives and their main source of information was the Health worker (62%). 76% of the respondents stated that modern contraceptive methods could be obtained from public health facilities. 56% of the respondents were currently using modern contraceptive methods and 46% were not using modern contraceptive methods. Reasons for non use of contraceptive methods were religious beliefs (50%), partner disapproval (30%) and side effects (20%). The results showed a relationship between educational level and use of contraceptives (Chi-square 7.83, df = 3, P < 0.05) and spouse approval or support of contractive methods and use of contraceptive (Chi-square 5.9, df = 2, P < 0.05). Therefore, efforts to promote modern contraceptive use among the rural women should be intensified to overcome barriers to contraceptive use and should involve men.
authors.affiliation: University of Zambia, School of Medicine, Department of Nursing Sciences, P.O. Box 50110, Lusaka, Zambia. Catherinengoma@yahoo.com
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mubita-Ngoma
authors.forename: M Chongo
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Kadantu
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012424:Rural Population; D016746:Transcultural Nursing; D016387:Women's Health; D055815:Young Adult; D015024:Zambia