Authors: Bah O.H, Sidibe M, Akintunde A.O, Olufunmilayo I.F, Hyjazi Y
Background: Family planning (FP) encompasses services that enable individuals to anticipate and attain their desired family size by a better timing of pregnancies. Despite the benefits of FP, the uptake of the services has been very low. This study aimed to identify the needs and barriers to the use of modern family planning among married women aged 15-49 years in rural areas, Guinea.
Methodology: A mixed method of study design was carried out using a descriptive and cross-sectional study (quantitative aspect) and an in-depth interview method (qualitative aspect). A multistage random sampling method was used to select study participants. Data were collected using a structured interviewer questionnaire and an in-depth interview guide structured interviewer questionnaire and an in-depth interview guide. The data were
analyzed by specific statistical tests accepting a probability p <0.05.
Results: A total of 349 people were questioned, the modal age group: 15-24 years and 33.6% at least secondary education. The majority were housewives (67.2%) and Islam the mainstream religion (98.5%). The Peulh is the dominant ethnic group (96.5%). Contraceptive uptake was (22.6%) and unmet need (75.8%). The availability of contraceptives was low (12.5%). Factors influencing contraceptive use included: low education, availability of contraceptives, husband's support, and religious beliefs. The use of contraception was low among rural women compared to expected values (2 to 2.5% annual increase). The qualitative results of the respondents support: "Not all who want to use it, some are ashamed to buy or even ask questions about it, others are afraid of their husbands."
Conclusion: Adequate advocacy on the benefits of contraceptives may improve their uptake and continued use of contraceptives. Male involvement in family planning may positively impact on health indices especially in the rural communities in Africa where decisions on health issues are influenced by many socio-cultural factors.
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