TITLE:
Determinants of Low Use of Contraceptive Methods by Women of Childbearing Age in Mwene Ditu Town, DRC: A Cross-Sectional Study
AUTHORS:
Kabeya Theddy Kazadi, Tshisungu Benoît Beya, Ilunga Alphonsine Masengu, Tshibangu Damien Ilunga, Kabila Joseph Luboya
KEYWORDS:
Determinants, Contraceptive Methods, Women of Childbearing Age, Mwene-Ditu
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.9 No.8,
August
30,
2022
ABSTRACT: Introduction: Contraception is one of the interventions to reduce unwanted pregnancies, complications related to related abortions, and sometimes maternal deaths. However, in the town of Mwene-Ditu, the use of modern contraceptive methods remains low. Based on this, this study wanted to identify the determinants associated with low use and identify the most used contraceptive method. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the City of Mwene-Ditu from March to July 2021. The data was collected using a pre-established questionnaire and analyzed using EpiinfoTM. The chi-square test of independence and Fisher’s exact were used to study the associations between the dependent variable and the independent variables. Logistic regression was used on significant variables. The p-value was significant when it was less than 0.05. Results: The women of childbearing age surveyed numbered 422. About 52.6% of them used contraceptive methods. The condom was the most used contraceptive method (71%). After logistic regression, the low use of contraceptive methods was determined by the low level of education (primary and secondary) (p = 0.00); women’s religion, postolo, Jehovah’s Witnesses and other religious beliefs (p = 0.01); ignorance of modern contraceptives (p = 0.00), non-use of health services (p = 0.02) and unfavorable attitude towards modern contraceptives (p = 0.02). Conclusion: The education of women of childbearing age and the intensification of sensitization on contraception by health workers remain crucial axes to increasing the use of contraceptive methods in this town.