Abstract:

Background: The Tanzania government in collaboration with other stakeholders involved in the provision of FP services have implemented various strategies and policies to increases uptake of FP services. These are aimed at increasing contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR), reduction total fertility rate (TFR), and unmet need for FP service. Fertility survey and census data has revealed that fertility declined from 7.2 children per woman in 1978 to 6.5 in 1984 to 1988. The purpose of the study was to assess awareness the level of contraceptives use, and barriers that affect the use of FP services among women attending ANC in Nansio Hospital.

Methods: To realize this objective, a study was done. A systematic random sampling technique was used to recruit study participant from women attending ANC. Face to face interviews were conducted to elicit information from the study participants. The questionnaire consisted of closed and open ended questions on topics such as awareness, use and barriers for utilization of FP services.

Results: Of the 284 respondents interviewed, 182 (64%) reported to have ever used or more FP methods. Services utilisation was influenced by demographic, perceptions of the quality of services offered by facility/provider, partner’s acceptance, knowledge about FP services, and religious background.

Conclusion: To increase the use of FP services, community awareness, promotion of FP education and household activities have to be accorded priority as the respondent in Nansio were observed to have low level in using FP methods, out of 231 who know 231 who know the FT methods only 64 respondent individuals were able to mention 4-5 correctively, though the level of awareness ware high the most widely known methods were the pills 194 followed by the injectable 193 and the barrier to use FP service to majority of respondents were Christian 228, most 177 reported that their religion do not allow use of modern FP methods.