Abstract:

Background: Acquiring the knowledge of Family Planning (FP) and its usage is prevalent across much of the developing world, but countries vary widely in total use and in the number and range of methods choices available to potential users. In Tanzania the knowledge of FP methods is nearly universal, however FP service continue to face challenges in meeting client’s expectation and needs due to some factors which attribute to low and poor choice of contraceptive method.

Aim: Was to determine the magnitude and factors associated with multiparity among pregnant women attending ANC and delivering at Chato District Hospital, Geita.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study that was conducted at Chato District Hospital, included pregnant women attended ANC clinic (n = 163) who selected by random sampling. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaire for assessment of factors affecting the choice of family planning method.

Data analysis: Data was be analyzed using SPSS version 20. P –value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: From the study majority of respondents were aged above 24 years; was were married and 49 (30.1%) were using FP methods. Most of respondents they had heard or used different methods for family planning, especially pills, Injectable and implants among others. Most of women they were concerned by the safety and effectiveness of contraceptive method before they made a choice.

Conclusion: Women at the Chato district are highly aware of the family planning methods despite of the fact that their use of family planning is still low. Also, women have little understanding on the wider benefits of family planning apart from using family planning methods to stop childbearing. The factors that significantly influence family planning methods use in the study area are age, wealth, social network, knowledge, attitudes and communication among spouses. The influence of cultural factors may need further follow-up as it did not come clearly in our study.