Title: Assessment of family planning knowledge and attitudes among married Somali women
Abstract:
Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors regarding family planning among married Somali women of reproductive age. It also sought to identify factors influencing contraceptive use, particularly the role of women's autonomy and decision-making in family planning.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between April and June 2024 at a training and research hospital in Mogadishu, Somalia. The sample included 300 married women aged 18–49 years who visited the gynecology outpatient clinic and consented to participate. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that covered socio-demographics, obstetric history, family planning knowledge and usage, and the Family Planning Attitude Scale (FPAS). Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANOVA, and binary logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS 21.0.
Results: The mean age of participants was 28.7?±?5.57 years. Of the women, 69.2% reported no knowledge of family planning methods, and 82.2% did not use any contraceptives. Despite high fertility (mean number of children: 4.38), only 17.8% reported current contraceptive use, with implants being the most utilized method (4.5%). Regression analysis revealed that women with knowledge of family planning methods were 35.3 times more likely to use contraception (CI: 12.884–96.937), while those involved in household decision-making were 3.4 times more likely (CI: 1.259–9.295). Cultural and religious beliefs, as well as misinformation (e.g., concerns about infertility or diminished sexual satisfaction), were major barriers to contraceptive use.
Conclusion: The study highlights significant gaps in family planning knowledge and low contraceptive use among Somali women. Traditional and religious beliefs, misconceptions about modern contraceptives, and limited participation in decision-making are key barriers. To improve reproductive health outcomes, it is essential to implement culturally appropriate education programs, enhance access to reproductive health services, and empower women to participate in family planning decisions. These interventions are critical in addressing unmet contraceptive needs and reducing maternal morbidity and mortality in Somalia.
