Dissertation (MSc Midwifery)
Background: The use of modern family planning is a vital intervention in averting maternal deaths, despite of this fact, 279 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births were reported in Mara region between 2015 and 2019 reported in 2020. Region leads in intimate partner violence practice by 78%. It is reported that, married women who experience intimate partner violence in Mara region are less likely to use modern family planning methods. This study aimed at assessing the influence of intimate partner violence on modern family planning use among married women in Mara region. Methods: This was a quantitative study that applied a community based analytical cross-sectional study in which 366 married women participated. Seven multistage sampling techniques were employed to select the sample size. A study adopted a standardized self-administered questionnaire to collect data which was analyzed through SPSS, version 20. Binary logistic regression model was applied to determine factors associated with modern family planning use. Results: The overall prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) was 73% with 54.1% physical violence, 36.3% psychological violence and 25.4% sexual violence. The prevalence of modern family planning was 62% and the most common method practiced was injection with 49.1% while implants had 28.6%. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that physical violence (AOR = 0.316, 95% CI: 0.285 - 3.822, p = 0.0056), psychological violence (AOR = 0.216, 95% CI: 0.081 - 0.577, p = 0.0022), religion (AOR = 4.611, 95% CI: 1.476 - 14.406, p = 0.0085), and availability of preferred FP methods (AOR = 9.27, 95% CI: 7.154 - 84.491, p< 0.0001) were significantly associated with modern family planning use. Conclusion: Modern family planning use is more affected by IPV, religion and availability of preferred FP methods. Effective interventions to increase use of modern family planning methods and reducing intimate partner violence should be encouraged and also the religious leaders should bridge the gap.