Socio-Economic factors influencing adoption of modern family planning methods among Women in Bombolulu,Mombasa county,Kenya

Abstract

High population growth is common in Bombolulu just as it is the case with other informal settlements. This situation has led to increase in poor living standards with the affected population lacking basic amenities such as food, water, shelter, medical care and education among others. This further creates competition for resources among the population. Population control is a key ingredient of economic development of any country. In order to realize this, then Family Planning is crucial. This was a study on the socio-economic factors that influence the adoption of modern contraceptives among women in Bombolulu, Mombasa County. It sought to establish the influence that education, poverty and cultural practices and taboos had on the adoption of modern contraceptives in Bombolulu. The study was conducted through a cross-sectional survey method and data was collected in the months of May-June 2013. This was done through the use of interview schedules and guides from 95 household heads in Bombolulu area and 5 key informants who had special knowledge on the subject matter. The study used cluster sampling. Secondary data was obtained from document analysis and multi-media sources. The data obtained was analyzed using SPSS V.17 and presented in tables, quotations and figures. The study established that low levels of education in Bombolulu had a negative impact on the adoption of modern contraceptives. It was also observed that poverty negatively impacted on the adoption of modern contraceptives in Bombolulu. The study concluded that for there to be an effective strategy on the adoption of modern family planning in Bombolulu, low education levels, poverty and cultural beliefs and taboos must be addressed first. There is an urgent need to decentralize provision of modern contraceptives in the community. Through this, access to these can be improved. It is also important to educate community members on the benefits of planned fertility to the family. Finally there is a need for studies to be conducted on the impact of county governments in the provision of modern contraceptives and the influence of early marriages on access to modern contraceptives