"We provide the methods to others but we don't use the methods ourselves": challenges with utilization of modern contraception among Female Healthcare Workers at two tertiary teaching hospitals, Northern Uganda

Jimmyy Opee; Keneth Opiro; Priscilla Manano; Margret Sikoti; Jackline Ayikoru; Harriet Akello; Fiona Gladys Laker; Maria K Wolters; Silvia Awor; Francis Pebalo Pebolo; Felix Bongomin

doi:10.1186/s40834-024-00313-8

"We provide the methods to others but we don't use the methods ourselves": challenges with utilization of modern contraception among Female Healthcare Workers at two tertiary teaching hospitals, Northern Uganda

Contracept Reprod Med. 2024 Oct 31;9(1):54. doi: 10.1186/s40834-024-00313-8.

Affiliations

¹ Department of Reproductive Health, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, P.O. BOX 166, Gulu, Uganda. jimmyyopee@gmail.com.
² Department of Reproductive Health, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, P.O. BOX 166, Gulu, Uganda.
³ St. Mary's Hospital Lacor, P.O.BOX 180, Gulu, Uganda.
⁴ Urban Research and Consultancy East Africa Limited, P.O. BOX 34950, namuwongo, Kampala, Uganda.
⁵ OFFIS Institute for Information Technology, Oldenburg, Germany.
⁶ Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Gulu University, P.O. BOX 160, Gulu, Uganda.

Abstract

Background: Female Healthcare Workers (FHCWs) play a crucial role in advocating for, delivering modern contraceptive methods (MCM) to reproductive-age women and potential users. Despite the high frequency of women seeking healthcare annually, less than half receive adequate contraceptive counseling and services. Investigating FHCWs' adherence to these practices and understanding the obstacles they encounter is essential. This study aimed to explore challenges with utilization of MCM among FHCWs at the two tertiary teaching hospitals in Northern Uganda.

Methods: We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study employing a qualitative approach at St. Mary's Hospital Lacor (SMHL) and Gulu Regional Referral Hospital (GRRH), Northern Uganda. Qualitative data were explored using the principles of descriptive phenomenology to gain deeper insights into the experiences of twenty (20) FHCWs.

Results: Findings revealed various challenges faced by FHCWs, including patient barriers such as religious beliefs, contraceptive myths, fear of side effects, and provider barriers like lack of knowledge, training, and discomfort. Additionally, health system barriers like limited time and competing priorities were identified.

Conclusion: Female Healthcare workers experience challenges with utilization of MCM. Efforts should focus on enhancing contraceptive services, particularly in faith-based facilities and among married individuals. Besides, addressing perceived barriers at the patient, provider, and system levels through comprehensive health education, ensuring method availability, and provider training is imperative.

Keywords: Female healthcare workers; Gulu University Teaching Hospitals; Modern contraception methods; Northern Uganda; Utilization.