The Use of Family Planning Methods (FPMs) in Ilala Municipality, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Abstract

This paper examines the use of family planning methods in Ilala Municipality, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A total of 55 respondents were involved in the study. The study used both quantitative and qualitative techniques in collecting and analysing data. A questionnaire, in-depth interviews and documentary review were used to gather data. The findings indicated that the modern family planning methods, such as condoms and oral contraceptives like postinor-2, the morning after pills, injection, and implant, were preferred over the traditional family planning methods, such as withdrawals, calendar rhythm method and periodic abstinence. The factors influencing family planning methods were education, access to information, fear and unfounded ethical beliefs, number of siblings, children as an indicator of one’s high status, prestige, and children confirming one’s virtue. Generally, the use of family planning methods was determined by socio-economic status of the users and environmental variables. Therefore, it is recommended that the stakeholders construct health centres and educate people on good family planning methods.