Assessment of Knowledge and Perception Towards Modern Contraceptives Use Among Women of Reproductive Age in Mtwivila, Tanzania

This study was conducted in 2014 in Mtwivila, Tanzania. The objective of the study was to assess knowledge, perception and factors associated with use of modern contraceptive use among women. Simple random sampling technique was used to select a representative sample of 96 women aged 15-49 years. Data were collected through interviews, focus group discussions and documentary reviews. Findings show that knowledge of modern FP was almost universal (100% percent), although 79 (82.3 percent) claimed to have been using modern contraceptives methods. Much smaller proportion (17.7 percent) reported not to be using modern contraceptives during the time of interview. Most of the respondents (96%) had positive attitude on modern contraceptive use as 96 of all interviewed women stated contraceptives were effective for birth control and that they would recommend to a friend or a relative the use of modern contraceptive. However, 28% women reported having stopped using modern contraceptive of which 25% due to side effects. Chi-square confirmed the association of education, sources of information about contraceptives, occupation, household income, distance from the health center and husband's involvement with the use of contraceptives among women. It is concluded that there is a good level of knowledge and a positive perception towards contraceptive use among women of reproductive age. Men involvement during sensitization on family planning would be an effective strategy toward sexual and reproductive health promotion.