IUD Contraceptive Use Among Women of Reproductive Age: Experiences, Motivators and barriers in a General Hospital, Uganda

Abstract

BackgroundDespite availing contraceptives, IUD uptake remains low in family planning service provision. Yet there is evidence that access to family planning reduces Maternal mortality especially in developing countries like Uganda. The study explored the reasons for low uptake of IUD among women of reproductive age.MethodologyFocus-groups and in-depth interviews with women in reproductive was employed to explore experiences, barriers and for low use of IUD. A thematic analysis was used to analyse the data.ResultsThis study explored women’s experiences, their motivations and barriers to IUD use. The positive experiences reported included; IUD is a long-term method of family planning; un affected libido, body image, reassurance from the health providers. The negative experiences included; pain on insertion; discomfort and bleeding and fear of strings. The motivators were; availability of IUD services at the facility, unaffected body image, information from the health workers and the barriers included; mistrust of health providers, financial constraints, myth and misconceptions and lack of social support.ConclusionThe experiences were both positive and negative, the motivators were their drivers to use the method and barriers were reported to influence the IUD use. There is need for mothers who have used IUD and are satisfied with the method to talk to other mothers so that we can increase IUD use as a method of family planning and health care providers have role to play to demystify the myth and misconceptions the mother have.