Abstract:

Background; COCs are used mainly to prevent unintended pregnancies and this is ensured by consistent and correct use of COCs to prevent failure. Appropriate use and counseling on side effects contribute to the consistent and correct use of COCs therefore maintaining the desired effectiveness. Effective use of combined oral contraceptives can help spacing, improve the health of the mother and whole economy of the family.

Methodology: This was a cross sectional study that conducted at Nyamagana District in Mwanza city Tanzania. Three hundred eighty women of reproductive age from different wards in the district such as Igoma ward, Igogo ward, Mabatini ward and Pamba ward included in the study. Social - demographic data and other information obtained by using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire.

Result: About 380 questionnaires were distributed and achieved a 98.3% response rate. The majority of women participants were between 18 and 25 years old, and 51.4% of the respondents reported that they had previously used or were using COCs. We found that women had good knowledge and a positive attitude towards COCs, with more than half of the users preferring them over other contraceptive methods. This study indicates that attitude, knowledge, and prior experience of COCs have no significant effect on the usage pattern of COCs among women with relatively high socioeconomic status in the Nyamagana District in Mwanza city Tanzania

Conclusion: the study revealed that women in the Nyamagana District in Mwanza city Tanzania had a positive attitude towards COCs use. We found that the COCs is considered effective and preferred over all other methods of contraception. Side-effects were the most feared. However, the results of this study indicate that attitude, knowledge, and prior experience of COCs have no significant effect on the usage pattern of COCs among women in the Nyamagana District in Mwanza city Tanzania. Future studies may be conducted on a larger population to evaluate knowledge and attitude toward COCs use. Consequently, educational programs could be directed to women in need to raise awareness and further enhance the understanding of COCs usage and break the fear of COCs side effects.