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 in the number and range of methods is nearly universal, however FP service continues to face challenges in meeting clients expectation and needs due to some factors which attribute to low and poor choice of contraceptive method.

Aim: the aim of this study is to determine socio- cultural barriers toward utilization of long term and permanent contraceptive among couples at Nyamagana district

Methodology: this was a cross sectional study that was conducted at Nyamagana district hospital, included couples who attended the family planning clinic (n= 50) 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 analyzed using SPSS version 20.p- value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: from the majority of respondents were aged above 24 years: were married and most of these were using FP methods. There was no association between the level of education of respondents and contraceptives use. 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 they made a choice.

Conclusion: Women in Nyamagana district, are highly aware of the family planning methods are use family planning optimally. Also, the have little understanding on the wider benefits of family planning apart from using family planning methods to stop childbearing. The factor 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.