Use of contraceptives among Rural Men and Women of Kazungula District

Lemba, Rabecca

Use of contraceptives among Rural Men and Women of Kazungula District

Date

2015-02-17

Authors

Lemba, Rabecca

Abstract

This study identified factors influencing contraceptive use among the rural men and women of Kazungula district. Specific objectives included; establishing fertility aspirations in Kazungula district, identifying myths and misconceptions that influence contraceptive use in Kazungula district, and assessing perceptions relating to attitudes of service providers towards men and women who use contraceptive in Kazungula district. Both quantitative and qualitative data were used. Quantitative data was used to collect information for questions which were closed ended through interviewer guided questionnaires, while qualitative information was collected interviews. Findings indicated vast knowledge about contraceptives. However; the gap is still wide between knowledge and use. The findings of this study have been similar to other studies that had almost a similar topic. Culturally, it was revealed that men are more superior to women. Cultural has set it in such a way that women have no freedom of expression on any issues in a home including on their sexuality. In a rural set up like Kazungula district, a man decides whether to allow the wife to use contraceptives or not. Women who feel they can’t go without using contraceptives they opt to leave their contraceptive cards at their friend’s home, and in some cases, they negotiate with health providers if they could leave their cards at health centers. This is to prevent their husbands from knowing. In a situation where they are discovered, they stand a chance of being divorced.It was revealed in this study that men especially have continued to appreciate having a lot of children despite their economic status. To them having 6 or more children is part of status in society.It was further revealed that attitudes of the health providers have been key in determining whether men and women will or will not use contraceptives. Some respondents complained bitterly that health providers are not always there to give service to the community. In situation where they are present, they tend to work in an unfriendly manner by using disrespectful language. In some cases, volunteers are expected to do most duties. The respondents said that people have less trust in volunteers knowing that they are not professionally trained for the services they offer to the community. The findings of this study suggest that knowledge about contraceptives does not determine use. The government of Zambia and other stakeholders should therefore consider bringing on board intensive measures that are aimed at involving men in promoting the use of contraceptives. The government needs to put up monitoring and evaluation measures for rural health Centres as a supervisory tool.