Background: Tanzania is one of countries with low rate (34%) on utilization of contraceptives
when compared with developed and other developing countries. Objective: The objective of this
study was to assess the current use of contraceptives among women of reproductive age (15 - 49
years) in urban areas as case study, and evaluate barriers on utilization of contraceptives at Kitunda
ward, Ilala Municipal, Dar-es-Salaam city. Study Design: The study was a cross-sectional
study. Three hundred women of reproductive age (15 - 49 years) were interviewed using structured
questionnaires for data collection. Two research assistants assisted researchers to interview
the sampled child bearing age women. Data Analysis: The collected data were entered in a
computer and were analyzed using EPI Info software version 6.0. Results: A total of 300 women
were interviewed; 71.9% were of age ranged 18 - 35 years; and 50.5% had secondary and college
education. The prevalence of contraceptive use was 70%, and injectables ranked first (30.8%)
followed by pills (27.7%). Other contraceptive methods used were calendar, rhythm and condoms.
Socio-demographic characteristics of women were found to associate with contraceptive use. The
most common barriers on utilization of the contraceptives reported include disruption in menstrual
cycle, headache, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. It is recommended that there should
be an agent need of increasing knowledge by seminar on utilization of all types of contraceptives
that spells the usefulness and possible side effects like to occur to users of contraceptives and
where to seek health services when such problems occur. This will help users of contraceptive users
to have an informed choice which is contraceptive to use for family planning. Above all traditional
herbs used for FP should be scientifically studied on their safety and efficacy. They may
provide an alternative to present contraceptives that have shown to have side effects.