Abstract:
Background: Family planning services were introduced in Tanzania in 1959 by UMATI and presently are integrated into RCH services since 1974. Despite of this, the prevalence of utilization of the services is still quite low (only 27%). The reason for this is not clear. Poor knowledge and attitude and, therefore, practice are presumed to be responsible. This study examines knowledge, attitude and practice of contraceptive use among women of reproductive age at Bukoba Municipal Council in order to address this issue.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude and practice of contraceptives method among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) at Bukoba municipal council in Kagera region.

Results: In the study, 80 of women participated 184 (67.5%) were aged 21-30 years, most of them had primary education by 67.5% and 96.1% (269) had knowledge on contraceptives methods where by 65.8% (177) of 269 ranges 21-30 years and 95.1% they knew modern contraceptives commonly were pill by 43.7%. also the study showed that, 87.1% (244) of study population use contraceptive methods and 84.3% use modern contraceptives and 15.7% use other type of contraceptives methods. Methods commonly used were pills, implanon and injectable (43.7%, 35.5% and 31.6% respectively). On marital status, married women use more contraceptives methods by 89.8%. Also 91.1% (255) of the study population (280) had positive attitude toward contraceptive methods and 65.9% of women with positive attitudes (255) ranges 21-30 years and 67.8 have primary education. 54.9% of women interviewed they discuss with their husband/partners about contraceptives methods and 45.1% not discussing with their husband/partner because 64% said contraceptives it is against their norms and religion and 36% their husband/partner do not approve them because of their side effects. The study also revealed that, 141 (50.4%) of study population husband and wife make decision together, 129 (46.0%) husband make decision and 10 (3.6%) wife make decision.

Conclusion: The study showed that most of the women participated good knowledge contraceptive methods especially pills, Implanon, Injectable and Male condom. Also women interviewed on this study, showed high practices on contraceptive methods especially those with primary education, women aged 21-30 years and married women especially those with 1-2 children. About attitude on contraceptives methods. But still there is low number of women who make decision on use of contraceptive methods because their husband does not approve the use of contraceptive methods due to their side effect and it is against cultural due to their side effect and it is against cultural and religion norms.

Recommendation: Health education should be provided to the Men, Religious Leader, and community at large to reduce or eliminate negative attitudes towards contraceptives methods. The study be done on assessing why women are not involved in decision making towards contraceptives methods. The study should also be done in women with primary education to assess why their use of contraceptive is high in comparison to other level of education (secondary and higher education).