Assessing Barriers and Facilitators for Contraceptive Utilisation Among Adolescent Girls and Young Women Aged (15-24 Years) in Kiyindi Town Council, Buikwe District

Abstract

Introduction: The study focused on establishing Barriers and Facilitators for Contraceptive Utilization among Adolescent Girls and Young Women Aged (15-24 Years) in Kiyindi Town Council, Buikwe District. Specifically, to understand AGYW perceptions of family planning access and utilization, explore barriers for family planning use among adolescent girls and young women and to understand facilitators for family planning use among adolescent girls and young women. Methods: The study adopted a narrative research design while applying qualitative methodologies. The study interviewed 40 adolescent girls and young women and 10 Key Informants as the sample size that were selected using purposive, snow ball and convenience sampling. Data was collected using interview Method and focus group discussion. The researcher used NVivo software and thematic analysis where the interview responses were transcribed, sorted, classified into themes and categories in order to answer the pertinent research questions. Results/Findings: The study found out that AGYW perception and attitude towards contraception is generally good. Some AGYW use herbs, while others take pills, and others use monthly injectable contraceptives (Depo-Provera). Another section of AGYW use implants while a cross-section of other AGYW use condoms majorly provided by their male counterparts. This implies that at least the majority AGYW have access to their preferred contraceptive methods and the ability to determine if, when and how often to reproduce. However, the study also found out that culture influences the usage of family planning because large families are still valued, and the use of contraception is viewed as contrary to these norms. Economic factors also influence the use of family planning and worse still, AGYW from especially lower-income families face barriers to accessing family planning services due to costs such as transport and cost of the method itself. The study also revealed that facilitators for contraceptive uptake in Kiyindi Town council among AGYW include individual factors like knowledge and perceived benefits, interpersonal factors such as partner/peer approval, and health system factors like accessibility and provider attitudes. Conclusion: Individual, interpersonal, community, and health systems factors all play a significant role in shaping contraceptive use. Understanding barriers and facilitators to contraceptive use among AGYW aged 15-24 is crucial for improving their reproductive health outcomes in Kiyindi Town council. Key words: Family planning, Adolescent girls and young women, access and Utilization.