Abstract:

In October 2011, during my elective period I conducted a research in Musoma district hospital. The aim of this research based on background information about Tanzania that, it has high fertility rate with a current population growth rate of 2.8% and total fertility rate of 5.6 regardless the efforts done by Tanzania Government still there is a need for further studies in order to establish the root cause of high fertility rate in Tanzania. The studies done at Bagamoyo and part of Dar es Salaam city shows that women at urban areas were using modern contraceptive methods than those in rural areas. However background information shows that in Musoma district there was no known study done on family planning which can show these differences. This drew up my attention to conduct my elective research at Musoma district. The research main objective was determine the use of family planning methods among women attending clinic to Musoma district hospital during my elective period August – October 2011. The study was descriptive and analytical. It included 100 women who attended at clinic for various reasons. Data collected by use of written Swahili questionnaires and by interview to respondents who were unable to read and write. Results shows that majority of respondents were aged from 15 to 35 years. At least each respondent managed to mention some methods of contraceptives. About 67% were users of contraceptives while 33% were nonusers of contraceptives. DEPO and OCP were methods used respondents. Knowledge and attitudes of respondents on contraceptives was good and many respondents knew where can get family planning services. Reasons for nonuse were fear of side effects and husband factors.