New Measures of Family Planning Attitudes and Their Association with Use of Modern Contraceptives Using Longitudinal Data from Uganda

Linnea Zimmerman, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Simon Peter Sebina Kibira, Makerere University School of Public Health
Caroline Moreau, INSERM/INED and Johns Hopkins School of Public Health
Frederick Makumbi, Makerere University

Few large-scale surveys include specific questions about attitudes regarding family planning (FP), despite evidence that concerns are influential. Six questions measuring FP attitudes were included in PMA2020 Uganda Round-6. Bivariate and multivariable multilevel logistic regressions modeled the association of individual and community attitudes on modern contraceptive use. Agreeing that FP reduces worry about pregnancy increased odds of using by 63%, while agreeing that using FP causes conflict in the family reduced odds by 25% . Agreeing that using contraception affects future fertility and that it is unhealthy to not get a menstrual cycle were not associated with current use. Future analyses will assess how attitudes towards contraception affect uptake and discontinuation over one year using longitudinal data. Women may use contraception though they believe there are consequences for health, but avoid use if they believe it will cause conflict. Dispelling myths and engaging partners is critical to meeting women’s needs.