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Accessibility and Use of Family Planning Information (FPI) by Rural People in Kilombero District, Tanzania
Abstract
This study investigated the accessibility and use of family planning information (FPI) by rural people in Kilombero District, Tanzania. The purpose was to examine the entire infrastructure required for accessing and using FPI in a rural setting. The study surveyed 120 respondents
using questionnaire, interview protocols and observation guides. The respondents included women and men of reproductive age, and Maternal and Child Health (MCH) clinic staff. The study revealed that there is inadequate knowledge of various family planning methods (FPMs) and limited access and use of FPI. The situation is caused by ignorance, inconsistent availability of FPMs, few staff with limited training, inaccessibility of family planning services (FPS) and patriarchal gender relations. Furthermore, the study found that rural communities access FPI through radio and MCH clinic staff. The study concludes that the surveyed rural communities are disadvantaged in accessing and using FPI. It recommends that there should be provision of more health facilities in rural areas, training of MCH clinic staff, raising public awareness of family planning, ensuring constant availability of all FPMs, provision of family planning education in schools and provision of necessary facilities needed for effective dissemination of FPI in the rural settings.
using questionnaire, interview protocols and observation guides. The respondents included women and men of reproductive age, and Maternal and Child Health (MCH) clinic staff. The study revealed that there is inadequate knowledge of various family planning methods (FPMs) and limited access and use of FPI. The situation is caused by ignorance, inconsistent availability of FPMs, few staff with limited training, inaccessibility of family planning services (FPS) and patriarchal gender relations. Furthermore, the study found that rural communities access FPI through radio and MCH clinic staff. The study concludes that the surveyed rural communities are disadvantaged in accessing and using FPI. It recommends that there should be provision of more health facilities in rural areas, training of MCH clinic staff, raising public awareness of family planning, ensuring constant availability of all FPMs, provision of family planning education in schools and provision of necessary facilities needed for effective dissemination of FPI in the rural settings.
