Abstract

Introduction: This study investigated supply factors, which affect modern contraceptive uptake in Lungwena health centre catchment area in Mangochi district in Malawi. Objectives: The study sought ways of improving family planning and family life wellbeing through increase in uptake of modern contraception. Specifically, the study aimed to assess levels of unmet need for modern family planning, determine supply and demand factors contributing to unmet need for contraception, and identify strategies for increasing contraceptive uptake in Lungwena. Methods: Data was collected from 259 women aged 12-49 who participated in a demographic and health survey (DHS) conducted in Lungwena in 2004. Additionally, qualitative data from 22 family planning clients, and a family planning service provider were collected through in-depth interviews. A health centre family planning record checklist supplied information about family planning provision in 2004.Results: Lungwena had higher unmet need for family planning compared to national estimate for the same year (32.37% versus 28%). Women who discussed modern family planning with the service provider during antenatal care (ANC) of first born child were 0.2 times (p=0.01, 95% CI, 0.06, 0.74) as likely to have unmet need at conception of last born child compared to those who did not. Fear of side effects and health concerns barred women from family planning. Convenience and privacy contributed towards low family planning use. Conclusions: supply factors were associated with levels of unmet need. Revision of reproductive health policy on strategies of integrating modern family planning, the related IEC, and consistent method availability are recommended for increasing family planning uptake in Lungwena.

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School	: Not specified
Issued Date	: 2007

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