Dissertation (MSc Midwifery)
Tanzania is still suffering a high burden of maternal deaths. Family planning uptake reduces maternal morbidity and mortality, infant and child mortality, unwanted pregnancy, teenage pregnancy and unsafe abortion. However, family planning uptake is still low in many places of the country especially in rural areas. Therefore, the objective of this study is to assess the determinants of family planning uptake among women of reproductive age in rural areas, Morogoro Region. A cross-sectional study design using both quantitative and qualitative approaches was conducted from February to April 2021 in rural areas, Morogoro Region. Data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and interview guide adapted from 2015/16 TDHS report. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 26. For quantitative data, Logistic regressions analyses were conducted looking for predictors of family planning uptake. A statistically significant variable in the final model was declared by 95% confidence interval (CI) and p-value <0.05. For qualitative data, all key informant interviews were recorded. Data was closely examined to identify common themes- topic, ideas and patterms of meaning that come up repeatedely. Familiarization , coding, generating themes, reviewing themes, defining and naming were the approaches taken to conduct the analysis. A total of 348 participants were interviewed for this study. Overall, prevalence of family planning uptake for this study was 167 (48%). The most used FP method was injectable contraceptives (48.5%). Being married (AOR=3.31, CI=1.636-6.724, p=<0.001) and monogamous type of marriage (AOR=2.87, CI= 0.195-5.282, p=<0.001) were the predictors of family planning uptake. The reported challenges/barriers of family planning uptake were long waiting time, long distance to health facility and lack of support from husband/partner, family member and community. The current family planning uptake proportion found in this study is low. Predictors of FP uptake were being married and being in monogamous marriage. Lack of social support, long time waiting for the service and long distance to the HCF were the main challenges to access the service reported.