title: Knowledge, sources and use of family planning methods among women aged 15-49 years in Uganda: a cross-sectional study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Lack of knowledge of where to obtain correct family planning (FP) information and methods can be a critical barrier to eventual uptake of FP services. We assessed knowledge, sources and use of FP methods among women of reproductive age in rural Uganda.
  
  
  METHODS
  This secondary analysis uses data from a larger cross-sectional study conducted to measure changes in perceptions towards long-term and reversible contraceptive use among 2,033 women of reproductive age (15-49years) resident in 34 districts of Uganda. Both users and non-users of FP methods were interviewed. Data were analyzed using STATA statistical software, version 12.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Majority of the women were less than 30 years of age (64.3%). Nearly three-quarters were married (73.1%), 51.1% had primary education and more than half (57%) were engaged in employment. Knowledge of FP methods was universal (98.1%). Clinic providers (60.4%), friends (56.9%) and the media (51.3%) were the most trusted sources of contraceptive information. Government (27.6%) and private (21.1%) health facilities were the main sources of modern FP methods. Sixty two per cent of women reported current use of any FP method. Among non-users of FP, injectables (50.4%), implants (22.8%) and pills (20.2%) were the most preferred FP methods.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our findings show that knowledge of FP methods is almost universal and that six in ten women use any FP method. Clinic providers, friends and the media are the most trusted sources of FP information. Government and private health facilities are the main sources of FP services.
authors: Makerere University School of Public Health-CDC Fellowship Program Kampala, Uganda; Uganda Health Marketing Group, Kampala, Uganda.
authors: Stephen Galla
authors: SG
authors: Alege
authors: Makerere University School of Public Health-CDC Fellowship Program Kampala, Uganda; Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda.
authors: Joseph Kb
authors: JK
authors: Matovu
authors: Program for accessible Health Communication and Education, Kampala, Uganda.
authors: Simon
authors: S
authors: Ssensalire
authors: Makerere University School of Public Health, Kampala, Uganda.
authors: Elizabeth
authors: E
authors: Nabiwemba
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003267:Contraception / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012424:Rural Population; D014454:Uganda; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Knowledge; Uganda; family; methods; planning; use; women