Factors affecting utilization of family planning services among HIV-positive women attending the ART clinic in Muwanga Health Center III, Kiboga District. A cross-sectional study.

Abstract

Background:

Family planning (FP) is essential in promoting the health and well-being of HIV-positive women by preventing unintended pregnancies and improving maternal outcomes. This study assessed the personal, socio-economic, and health-system factors influencing the utilization of FP services among HIV-positive women attending the ART clinic at Muwanga Health Centre III in Kiboga District.

 Methodology.

A hospital-based cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among HIV-positive women selected using simple random sampling. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were used. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and presented using frequency tables, figures, and percentages.

 Results.

Most respondents were aged 18-29 years (50%), had secondary education (29.5%), and were unemployed (61.4%). Family and friends were the primary source of FP information (40.9%). Condoms were the most commonly known (59.1%) and used FP method (63.3%). However, 56.8% believed FP was not important for HIV-positive women, and 56% felt FP had several bad side effects, contributing to low acceptability. Half (46.7%) relied on friends to choose FP methods, while 80% reported no adverse reactions. Socio-economic factors included religious disapproval (36.4%), desire for more children (50%), and unemployment (61.4%). From the health-system perspective, most respondents were not counseled about FP (65.9%), were unaware that FP services were offered (52.3%), and reported stockouts of FP commodities (50%).

 Conclusion.

Utilization of FP services among HIV-positive women was influenced by personal factors such as knowledge, attitudes, and peer influence; socio-economic factors, including religion and partner opinion; and health-system factors such as inadequate counseling and commodity stockouts.

 Recommendations.

The Ministry of Health should intensify FP sensitization targeting HIV-positive women and their partners, ensure consistent availability of FP commodities, and strengthen FP counseling at ART clinics. Women should be encouraged to seek FP information directly from healthcare providers.