1. LAYU DONATUS - Department of Public Health and hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon.
2. TENDONGFOR NICHOLAS - Associate Professor, Department of Public Health and hygiene, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of
Buea, Cameroon.
3. DOHBIT SAMA JULIUS - Associate professor, Senior Lecturer, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine,
University of Yaounde I.
4. EGBE THOMAS O - Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Health
Sciences, University of Buea, Cameroon.
Introduction: Most women now prefer a small family size and so there is a growing need for good family planning services for sexually active women. However, the unmet needs for family planning have continually not been met especially in the less developed world. In other to address these unmet needs this study focused on assessing the knowledge attitude and practice of modern contraceptives methods amongst women aged 15 to 49yrs in Buea Health District.
Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted in the Buea Health District. A multistage sampling technique was used to select participants from households. A structured questionnaire was administered to selected women to collect data on knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding contraceptives. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 28.0. Results: A total of 958 participants answered the questions of which 97% had incorrect knowledge of contraceptives, 73% had a poor attitude toward contraceptive methods, and 91% of respondents practiced at least a method of contraception. The male condom was the most used contraceptive method (70.49%) followed by female condoms use (7.95%), injectables (3.72%), coitus interruptus (3.63%), implants (2.84%), Morning after pills (1.24%). Diaphragms, IUD, and COC were the least used methods (0.65%, 0.37%, and 0.27%) respectively. Those who did not use any method were 87 (8.83%).
Conclusion: Women of reproductive age in the Buea health district have very poor knowledge and attitude on family planning methods but practice at least one method of contraception. There is a need for health education programs oriented towards the different methods which would enhance a change of attitudes towards family planning.
Knowledge, attitude, practice, contraceptive, family planning, unmet needs.