A Cross Sectional Study on Prevalence and Factors Associated with Family Planning in the Context of COVID-19 among Women of Reproductive Age in a Rural Town Council in Eastern Uganda

Aim: This study aimed to assess the Family Planning Prevalence and Factors associated with Family Planning in face of COVID-19, among women of reproductive age in rural town council in Amuria district, Eastern Uganda. Little evidence exists of the factors associated with family planning use in face of COVID-19 in resource limited settings in Eastern Uganda. Our findings will close this apparent research gap and inform national and district Family planning guidelines and policies.

Materials and Methods: We used a quantitative research approach and cross sectional design to determine prevalence and factors associated with family planning use, among women of reproductive age in the face of Covid-19 in Amuria Town council in Uganda. The respondents for the study were chosen using purposive sampling technique. We used questionnaires to collect data from study participants. Quantitative data was compiled and fed into the computer using Microsoft Excel and then exported to Stata 15.

Results: The Prevalence was at 17.1% lower than the national target of 50%. 58.4% of our women were not using family planning because of the anticipated side effects. 50% those using family planning completed ordinary level education. The married women were 0.2 times less likely to use family planning. Single ladies were 4.6 times more likely to use family planning as compared to widowed, divorced and married.

Conclusion: The prevalence of Family planning in Amuria Town Council was 17.1% much lower than the National Target. Being married and low level of education was associated with low uptake of Family planning in context of COVID-19. Family planning programs should put more focus on the married women and involve their husbands in implementation of their programs.