Socio-cultural factors influencing unmet need of family planning services: the case of Ganako ward, in Karatu District, Tanzania

This study was conducted with the purpose of exploring socio-cultural factors influencing unmet need of modern family planning services in Ganako ward, Karatu District. The specific objectives were two, namely: to explore the meaning the community attaches to modern family planning services. The study used Social Construction as the Theoretical framework to explore different meaning and examine how people interact and make sense of moderm family planning services on the basis of their own constructed reality. Methodologically, the study employed a qualitative approach. Non-probability sampling techniques were employed namely, purposive and snowball sampling. The sample comprised of reproductive women age group 15-49) both married, unmarried and who are in union. The total number of 84 participated in this study. The study used In-depth Interview, Focus Group Discussion and Documentary Review as key research methods of data collection. The findings show that there is varius meanings positive and negative meanings) community members in Ganako ward attach to modern family planning services. These meanings are influenced by the existing community norms and values such as disapproval of husbands, religious beliefs, high values for children especially male children and inequality in terms of decision-making. The study reveals that some community members in Ganako ward perceive moderm family planning services to have tremendous impact in reducing the number of the children one gives birth to , reducing women’s sexual desire, and influencing women to be prostitutes. The study found out that other members believe that the use of modem family planning services to be against religious beliefs, which is based on religious teaching which insist on the use of natural family planning methods. The study concludes that the high knowledge on the modern family planning in Tanzania, unmet need for modern family planning services is inevitable due to socio-cultural factors that shape community’s understandings of modern family planning services. The study recommends several efforts to be taken both the government and Non-governmental Organizations and policy makers to initiate programs, interventions that promote education on contraceptive use to both men and women