Modern Contraceptive Choice and Use Experiences Among Married Childbearing Women in Majengo Slum, Meru County

Abstract

A cross-sectional descriptive study on modern contraceptive choice and use experiences among married childbearing women conducted in Majengo slum, Meru County. The study guided by phenomenology theory examined decision-making and women's experiences of using modern contraceptive methods. Data was obtained through in-depth interviews, case narratives, and key informant interviews from 30 study participants purposively selected. Thematic analysis was applied and results were presented with verbatim quotes to amplify the participants' voices. The findings revealed that individual autonomy, spousal dynamics, access to information, and socio-cultural factors prevalent in the setting influence women's decision-making regarding modern contraceptives. Beyond the household level, family members, friends, and healthcare providers were influential in their decisions to choose a method. The results also showed that contraceptive use has benefited women of Majengo Slum by improving education for them and their children, participation in economic activities, feeling happy, reduced family size, and improved marriages. Despite these benefits, women of Majengo slum have faced challenges like method-related side effects for example over-bleeding and weight gain/loss. Beyond the obvious drug-related challenges, the high cost of treating the side effects, fear of infidelity from partners due to side effects, and myths and stereotypes about modern contraceptives from partners and other members of society were cited. It is concluded that married childbearing women in Majengo slums include their male partners in contraceptive choice decision-making. However, a few women did not involve their partners due to misinformation, myths and misconceptions that prevented them from understanding matters of contraceptives well. The study underscores the importance of tailored interventions that address the socio-cultural context and individual preferences to enhance contraceptive uptake and continuation among married women in urban slum settings. Policy implications highlight the need for comprehensive reproductive health education, improved healthcare workers' education, and supportive community interventions to promote informed decision-making and positive contraceptive experiences among this vulnerable population.

The study recommends that the Meru County Government, Department of Health, NGOs and stakeholders through the community health promoters facilitate reproductive health campaigns aimed at educating both men and women on the broad topic of reproductive health to demystify myths and misconceptions about modern contraceptives.