Access to Family Planning services not only assures individual women health but also
improves the quality of life for her spouse, her children and the society at large.
Utilization of FP services is estimated to save 32% of maternal lives and 10% of child
lives. This study therefore sought to explore the factors that hinder women’s access to
Family Planning Services in Funyula, Busia County. The study adopted a cross
sectional descriptive study design which targeted women aged between 18-49 years,
health service providers, NGO staff in reproductive health and a local administrator.
Data was gathered through survey questionnaires administered to 40 women who
were conveniently sampled and supplemented by Focus Group Discussions and Key
Informant Interviews administered to 2 health service providers, a local administrator
and a NGO staff who were purposively sampled. The quantitative data collected from
women was analyzed using SPSS version 20 while qualitative data was analyzed via
content and thematic analysis with results presented in form of verbatim. Results from
the research indicated that 47.5% of women were using modern FP methods mostly
involving pills, implants and injectables, however unmet contraceptive use stood at 25%
while contraceptive discontinuation rate was 22.5%. Primarily access to modern FP
methods was hindered by acceptability since they were riddled with myths including
beliefs that Family planning caused infertility and predispose to giving birth to twins,
who were considered culturally unacceptable. Discontinuation of modern FP methods
was predominantly blamed on experienced side effects including excessive bleeding,
backaches and headaches. Also the study found out that use of modern FP methods
increased with increase in women’s highest education level and it decreased with
decrease in number of living male children and polygamous marriages. Other factors
like religion had minimal effect on use of modern FP methods as women went against
their religious doctrines and used FP methods despite opposition from their religions.
Therefore, the study recommends that there is need for the County Government and
other health stakeholders to create public sensitization involving both women and
men about modern FP methods so as to increase acceptability. The County
Government and National Government should also ensure adequate number of health
workers in health facilities to ensure that women are adequately counseled and
medical examinations done prior to administration of modern FP methods.