TITLE:
An Investigation on the Utilization of Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device among Women in Kabwe, Central Province
AUTHORS:
Janet Mazuba Mweempwa, Catherine M. Ngoma
KEYWORDS:
Utilization, Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device, Women, Contraceptives, Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology,
Vol.13 No.12,
December
29,
2023
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) is an
effective long acting reversible
contraceptive but its use is low. This study examined factors contributing to
the utilization of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) among women in
Kabwe Central Province. Methodology: This was an analytical cross
sectional study. Primary data was collected from 150 respondents in using
simple random sampling method. Data was analysed using the statistical package
of social sciences (SPSS) version 22. Chi-square test was used to test associations among the dependent and independent
variables. Logistic regression analysis was conducted. The confidence interval
was set at 95% and significant level was at 0.05%. Findings: The
study found that 44% of the respondents had high level of knowledge about IUCD.
About 28% of the respondents, said that they
used IUCD because it maintains menstrual bleeding, 26% said that they used
because IUCD it does not cause infections, and 19% said that they used IUCD because it does
not migrate to other body parts. Majority (81%) of the respondents agreed with
a statement that age contributes to underutilization
of IUCD. About 77% of the respondents agreed with a statement that marital status contributes to
underutilization of IUCD and 75% agreed with a statement that, education level
contributes to underutilization of IUCD and was significant. Furthermore, 91%
of the respondents agreed with a statement that lack of knowledge about IUCD
contributes to underutilization of IUCD and 74% agreed with a statement that
religion contributes to underutilization of
IUCD. Age (p = 0.003), marital status (p = 0.002), education level (p =
0.003), and employment status (p = 0.02), were found to have a significant
relationship with the utilization of IUCD. About 36% of the respondents said
that knowledge or education affects the utilization of IUCD at a large extent.
The study showed a positive relationship between the utilization of IUCD and
all explanatory variables such as age, education/knowledge, marital status, religion, family size and income
and acceptability which had a
positive correlation ranging from 0.543 to 0.815. Older women with
higher education levels were more inclined to use IUCDs compared to younger
individuals and those with only a primary education. Religious affiliation
influenced IUCD use with Muslim women being less likely to opt for IUCDs.
Moreover, being married was associated with lower IUCD utilization. Conclusion: Based on these findings,
the study identified age, education/knowledge, marital status, religion, family
size and income, and acceptability as
the primary drivers of IUCD usage. The study recommends that, there should be a conduct of educational
workshops, there should be community
awareness programs and there should be comprehensive family Planning
Services.