Barriers to Adoption of Family Planning among Women in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo

The objectives of this survey were to identify women's level of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) toward family planning (FP); identify possible barriers to using FP; determine pregnancy spacing pattern; and ascertain the level of FP promotion by health workers. This was a 2-weeks cross-sectional survey at all maternity units in Butembo of postpartum women. 572 women were interviewed. FP knowledge was high (76%), perception good (80%). Majority used traditional methods (65%), mostly Calendar method (72%). Barriers to using modern FP included lack of knowledge, fear of side effects, religious considerations and husband opposition. Unmet need for spacing and limiting was high (21 & 31%). For majority (56%), pregnancy spacing met WHO's Healthy Timing and Spacing of Pregnancy recommendations. Promotion of FP was poor (42%). Training of health workers, advocating modern contraception, improving FP services in all public health facilities and promoting FP on each contact of women is highly recommended in this city.