ABSTRACT

Despite global efforts to increase the uptake of modern contraceptives, many women in low-resource settings, including Cameroon, continue to face multifaceted barriers that hinder their use. In Mile 16 Community, Buea, the prevalence of unintended pregnancies and poor maternal health outcomes remains a public health concern, largely driven by socio-cultural, economic, and informational barriers to contraceptive use.

This study assessed the perceptions, knowledge, and barriers influencing the uptake of modern contraceptives among women of childbearing age (15–49 years) in the Mile 16 Community of Buea, Cameroon. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed involving 50 women of reproductive age selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS.

Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to identify patterns and associations. Findings revealed that while 90% of participants had heard of modern contraceptives, knowledge about long-acting reversible methods such as IUDs (13.3%) and implants (2.3%) remained low.

The most common sources of information were informal, including friends and family (40%), with only 8.9% receiving information from healthcare providers. Fear of side effects (70%) emerged as the most cited barrier, followed by cost (25%) and limited access to health facilities (18%). Additionally, cultural and religious beliefs (15%) and lack of partner support (12%) significantly influenced contraceptive decisions.

Despite these challenges, 80% of respondents expressed willingness to attend family planning workshops, and 62% recommended making contraceptives free or affordable to improve uptake.

The study brings out a critical gap between contraceptive awareness and informed, consistent usage. Misinformation, limited access, and socio-cultural constraints continue to impede contraceptive uptake among women in Mile 16. Targeted interventions such as health education, community-based outreach, male engagement, and improved healthcare services are essential for enhancing reproductive autonomy and achieving better maternal health outcomes in this setting.

Keywords: Modern contraceptives, contraceptive uptake, family planning, women of childbearing age

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background

Modern contraceptives play a critical role in improving reproductive health and reducing unintended pregnancies. Despite their availability, many women in low-resource settings, do not use them effectively (Darroch et al., 2016). This low uptake is often linked to socio-cultural beliefs, lack of awareness, and misconceptions about contraceptive methods. These barriers contribute to high rates of unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal mortality (Sedgh & Hussain, 2014). Addressing these challenges is essential for improving women’s health and well-being.

Globally, approximately 257 million women who want to avoid pregnancy are not using modern contraceptives, leading to 121 million unintended pregnancies annually (Darroch et al., 2016; WHO, 2020). In Africa, contraceptive prevalence remains low, with only 33% of married women using modern methods, contributing to high maternal mortality rates (Sedgh & Hussain, 2014). Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 66% of the global unmet need for family planning, with cultural and accessibility barriers exacerbating the issue (Cleland et al., 2014). In Cameroon, the modern contraceptive prevalence rate is 19%, far below the regional average, with rural areas like Mile 16 facing acute shortages of services and supplies (Starbird et al., 2016). Unintended pregnancies in Cameroon result in 25% of maternal deaths, driven by limited access and socio-cultural resistance (Campbell et al., 2016). Only 12% of rural Cameroonian women use modern contraceptives, compared to 28% in urban areas, highlighting stark disparities (WHO, 2020). Myths about side effects, such as infertility, further deter uptake, with 40% of women citing misinformation as a barrier (Sedgh & Hussain, 2014). Addressing these challenges is critical to achieving Sustainable Development Goals on health and gender equality (Starbird et al., 2016).

Socio-cultural factors, such as religious beliefs, gender norms, and stigmatization, significantly influence women’s decisions to use contraceptives (Campbell et al., 2016). In many communities, women face pressure from family members or partners who oppose contraceptive use. Additionally, myths and misinformation about side effects, such as infertility or health risks, discourage women from adopting modern methods (Cleland et al., 2014). These factors create a complex environment where women struggle to make informed choices about their reproductive health.

Accessibility and affordability are also major barriers to contraceptive use. Many women in rural areas, in Cameroon, live far from healthcare facilities, making it difficult to access contraceptives (Starbird et al., 2016). Even when services are available, the cost of contraceptives and transportation can be too high for low-income families. Poor healthcare infrastructure, including shortages of trained staff and supplies, further limits access to these essential services (WHO, 2020). These challenges highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve access.

Knowledge and awareness of modern contraceptives are crucial for their uptake. Studies show that many women lack accurate information about how contraceptives work, their benefits, and where to access them (Sedgh & Hussain, 2014). This lack of awareness is often compounded by low levels of education and limited outreach programs. Without proper education, women may rely on traditional methods or avoid contraceptives altogether, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancies (Cleland et al., 2014). Addressing these knowledge gaps is key to improving contraceptive use.

Furthermore, the level of knowledge and the presence of misconceptions about modern contraceptives among women of childbearing age directly impact their decision-making (Becker, 1974). Accurate information about the benefits, risks, and proper use of contraceptives is essential for women to make informed choices. Misunderstandings and myths surrounding contraceptives can lead to fear and resistance, thus reducing their uptake. Therefore, assessing the level of knowledge and addressing misconceptions is paramount.

The consequences of low contraceptive uptake are severe. Unintended pregnancies can lead to unsafe abortions, maternal deaths, and poor child health outcomes (Darroch et al., 2016). In many local communities or rural areas, where healthcare resources are limited, these issues are even more pronounced. Improving contraceptive use can reduce these risks and empower women to plan their families and pursue education or employment opportunities (Starbird et al., 2016). This, in turn, contributes to broader social and economic development.

1.2 Problem Statement 

Many women in the Mile 16 Community do not use modern contraceptives, even though they are available. This is often due to cultural beliefs, lack of knowledge, and fear of side effects. Some women also face challenges like high costs, distance to health centres, or lack of support from their partners. These barriers lead to unintended pregnancies and poor maternal health outcomes.

Access to modern contraceptives is further limited by poor healthcare services and poverty. Many health facilities are far away or lack enough staff and supplies (Starbird et al., 2016). For some women, the cost of contraceptives is too high, making it hard for them to use these methods. These issues make it difficult for women to protect their health and plan their families.

Understanding why women in the Mile 16 Community do not use modern contraceptives is important. Without addressing these barriers, efforts to improve reproductive health will fail. This study is needed to identify their perception and the factors that hinder women in the Mile 16 Community from the use of modern contraceptives and to find ways to help them access and use contraceptives effectively.

1.3 Rationale 

The rationale for this study lies in addressing the low uptake of modern contraceptives among women of childbearing age in the Mile 16 Community, which has implications for maternal and reproductive health. By exploring the perceptions and barriers hindering contraceptive use, the study aims to provide insights that can inform targeted interventions and policies. Understanding these factors is crucial for improving access to reproductive health services and empowering women to make informed decisions. Ultimately, the study seeks to contribute to better health outcomes and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals related to health and gender equality.

1.4 Research Questions 

1.4.1 Main Research Question

What are the perceptions of women of childbearing age in the Mile 16 Community regarding the factors hindering the uptake of modern contraceptives?

1.4.2 Specific Research Questions

1. What are the perceptions of women of childbearing age regarding the factors hindering the uptake of modern contraceptives in the Mile 16 community of Buea?
2. What is the level of knowledge among women of childbearing age about the various types of modern contraceptive methods used in the Mile 16 community of Buea?
3. What measures are being implemented to improve the uptake of modern contraceptives among women of childbearing age in the Mile 16 community?

Read More: Nursing Project Topics with Materials

ABSTRACT

Despite global efforts to increase the uptake of modern contraceptives, many women in low-resource settings, including Cameroon, continue to face multifaceted barriers that hinder their use. In Mile 16 Community, Buea, the prevalence of unintended pregnancies and poor maternal health outcomes remains a public health concern, largely driven by socio-cultural, economic, and informational barriers to contraceptive use.

This study assessed the perceptions, knowledge, and barriers influencing the uptake of modern contraceptives among women of childbearing age (15–49 years) in the Mile 16 Community of Buea, Cameroon. A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed involving 50 women of reproductive age selected through convenience sampling. Data were collected using structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS.

Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to identify patterns and associations. Findings revealed that while 90% of participants had heard of modern contraceptives, knowledge about long-acting reversible methods such as IUDs (13.3%) and implants (2.3%) remained low.

The most common sources of information were informal, including friends and family (40%), with only 8.9% receiving information from healthcare providers. Fear of side effects (70%) emerged as the most cited barrier, followed by cost (25%) and limited access to health facilities (18%). Additionally, cultural and religious beliefs (15%) and lack of partner support (12%) significantly influenced contraceptive decisions.

Despite these challenges, 80% of respondents expressed willingness to attend family planning workshops, and 62% recommended making contraceptives free or affordable to improve uptake.

The study brings out a critical gap between contraceptive awareness and informed, consistent usage. Misinformation, limited access, and socio-cultural constraints continue to impede contraceptive uptake among women in Mile 16. Targeted interventions such as health education, community-based outreach, male engagement, and improved healthcare services are essential for enhancing reproductive autonomy and achieving better maternal health outcomes in this setting.

Keywords: Modern contraceptives, contraceptive uptake, family planning, women of childbearing age

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

• Background

Modern contraceptives play a critical role in improving reproductive health and reducing unintended pregnancies. Despite their availability, many women in low-resource settings, do not use them effectively (Darroch et al., 2016). This low uptake is often linked to socio-cultural beliefs, lack of awareness, and misconceptions about contraceptive methods. These barriers contribute to high rates of unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal mortality (Sedgh & Hussain, 2014). Addressing these challenges is essential for improving women’s health and well-being.

Globally, approximately 257 million women who want to avoid pregnancy are not using modern contraceptives, leading to 121 million unintended pregnancies annually (Darroch et al., 2016; WHO, 2020). In Africa, contraceptive prevalence remains low, with only 33% of married women using modern methods, contributing to high maternal mortality rates (Sedgh & Hussain, 2014). Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 66% of the global unmet need for family planning, with cultural and accessibility barriers exacerbating the issue (Cleland et al., 2014). In Cameroon, the modern contraceptive prevalence rate is 19%, far below the regional average, with rural areas like Mile 16 facing acute shortages of services and supplies (Starbird et al., 2016). Unintended pregnancies in Cameroon result in 25% of maternal deaths, driven by limited access and socio-cultural resistance (Campbell et al., 2016). Only 12% of rural Cameroonian women use modern contraceptives, compared to 28% in urban areas, highlighting stark disparities (WHO, 2020). Myths about side effects, such as infertility, further deter uptake, with 40% of women citing misinformation as a barrier (Sedgh & Hussain, 2014). Addressing these challenges is critical to achieving Sustainable Development Goals on health and gender equality (Starbird et al., 2016).

Socio-cultural factors, such as religious beliefs, gender norms, and stigmatization, significantly influence women’s decisions to use contraceptives (Campbell et al., 2016). In many communities, women face pressure from family members or partners who oppose contraceptive use. Additionally, myths and misinformation about side effects, such as infertility or health risks, discourage women from adopting modern methods (Cleland et al., 2014). These factors create a complex environment where women struggle to make informed choices about their reproductive health.

Accessibility and affordability are also major barriers to contraceptive use. Many women in rural areas, in Cameroon, live far from healthcare facilities, making it difficult to access contraceptives (Starbird et al., 2016). Even when services are available, the cost of contraceptives and transportation can be too high for low-income families. Poor healthcare infrastructure, including shortages of trained staff and supplies, further limits access to these essential services (WHO, 2020). These challenges highlight the need for targeted interventions to improve access.

Knowledge and awareness of modern contraceptives are crucial for their uptake. Studies show that many women lack accurate information about how contraceptives work, their benefits, and where to access them (Sedgh & Hussain, 2014). This lack of awareness is often compounded by low levels of education and limited outreach programs. Without proper education, women may rely on traditional methods or avoid contraceptives altogether, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancies (Cleland et al., 2014). Addressing these knowledge gaps is key to improving contraceptive use.

Furthermore, the level of knowledge and the presence of misconceptions about modern contraceptives among women of childbearing age directly impact their decision-making (Becker, 1974). Accurate information about the benefits, risks, and proper use of contraceptives is essential for women to make informed choices. Misunderstandings and myths surrounding contraceptives can lead to fear and resistance, thus reducing their uptake. Therefore, assessing the level of knowledge and addressing misconceptions is paramount.

The consequences of low contraceptive uptake are severe. Unintended pregnancies can lead to unsafe abortions, maternal deaths, and poor child health outcomes (Darroch et al., 2016). In many local communities or rural areas, where healthcare resources are limited, these issues are even more pronounced. Improving contraceptive use can reduce these risks and empower women to plan their families and pursue education or employment opportunities (Starbird et al., 2016). This, in turn, contributes to broader social and economic development.

1.2 Problem Statement 

Many women in the Mile 16 Community do not use modern contraceptives, even though they are available. This is often due to cultural beliefs, lack of knowledge, and fear of side effects. Some women also face challenges like high costs, distance to health centres, or lack of support from their partners. These barriers lead to unintended pregnancies and poor maternal health outcomes.

Access to modern contraceptives is further limited by poor healthcare services and poverty. Many health facilities are far away or lack enough staff and supplies (Starbird et al., 2016). For some women, the cost of contraceptives is too high, making it hard for them to use these methods. These issues make it difficult for women to protect their health and plan their families.

Understanding why women in the Mile 16 Community do not use modern contraceptives is important. Without addressing these barriers, efforts to improve reproductive health will fail. This study is needed to identify their perception and the factors that hinder women in the Mile 16 Community from the use of modern contraceptives and to find ways to help them access and use contraceptives effectively.

1.3 Rationale 

The rationale for this study lies in addressing the low uptake of modern contraceptives among women of childbearing age in the Mile 16 Community, which has implications for maternal and reproductive health. By exploring the perceptions and barriers hindering contraceptive use, the study aims to provide insights that can inform targeted interventions and policies. Understanding these factors is crucial for improving access to reproductive health services and empowering women to make informed decisions. Ultimately, the study seeks to contribute to better health outcomes and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals related to health and gender equality.

1.4 Research Questions 

1.4.1 Main Research Question

What are the perceptions of women of childbearing age in the Mile 16 Community regarding the factors hindering the uptake of modern contraceptives?

1.4.2 Specific Research Questions

1. What are the perceptions of women of childbearing age regarding the factors hindering the uptake of modern contraceptives in the Mile 16 community of Buea?
2. What is the level of knowledge among women of childbearing age about the various types of modern contraceptive methods used in the Mile 16 community of Buea?
3. What measures are being implemented to improve the uptake of modern contraceptives among women of childbearing age in the Mile 16 community?

Read More: Nursing Project Topics with Materials