Some demographic and socio-economic determinants of contraceptive use in Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania

The purpose of this study was to investigate the major demographic and socio-economic variables which influence contraceptive use among women of child-bearing age. The survey was done in Moshi Urban and Same Rural district in Kilimanjaro Region. The study was prorated by the fact that family planning programme is a crucial aspect for improving the health of both the mother and the child. Yet family planning acceptance Level in Tanzania is very low statistics show that it is between 5% and 7% In view of the above facts, it is important to examine the demographic, socio-economic and cultural. ‘factors which influence women`s attitude towards use j or non-use of contraception. The study involved 423 women in the child bearing age between 15 and 49 years. A total of 3p4 women in the sample size were opted from Same Rural District, • whilst 119 were chosen from Moshi Urban District. The random sampling technique was used in selecting the women for the study. The main findings of our study are that the use of contraception is higher among women aged between 25 and 59 years, and it is lower among those above 39 and below 25 years. Another interesting observation is that the level of contraceptive use was low among women with no son(s) and it was slightly higher for those with a balanced sex and son(s). A significant association was observed between womens education and contraceptive use. It appears that as womens educational level rises the proportion of using contraception increases. The findings of our study also indicate that there is no significant association between women's income and contraception use. However among the contractors using IUD diaphragm and abstinence the level of contraceptive use increases as income rises. Rural-urban variation in contraception use was pronounced. The use of traditional methods such as abstinence, withdrawal, safety period, prolonged breastfeeding and local herbs is most popular in Same rural district, whilst modern contraception appears to be more widely used in Moshi Urban District than in Same Rural District, The survey findings show that the prevalence level of contraceptive use in Kilimanjaro region is 196%* However, by Tanzania standard this level is high. The present study has therefore, revealed that, age, sex preference, education and income are the most important determinants of contraceptive use in Kilimanj region. Fi§ture research are needed to confirm' the impact of demographic and socio-economic variables on the acceptance of Family'Planning Programme in Tanzania