Prevalence and Motivators for Family Planning Utilization Among Youth Students in Higher Learning Institutions in Dodoma, Tanzania. Cross Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) has the greatest unmet need for family planning use, and young people are reported to under-utilize family planning services compared to other groups of women of the reproductive age in the region. Promoting contraceptive services use among adolescents is vital in achieving universal access to sexual and reproductive health services. Objective: The main objective of this study was to assess motivators for family planning services utilization among higher learning youth students in Dodoma Tanzania. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 421 randomly selected youths in higher learning institutions in Dodoma. Data were collected through self-administered structured questionnaire adopted from previous studies. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis using SPSS version 25 established association between variables. Statistical significance was declared at 95% confidence interval with α<0.05 and strength of association was reported by Odds Ratio (OR) and Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR). Results: Majority of participants 221 (52.5%) were females, and most of them 320 (76.0%) were aged between 21 to 24 years. In addition, the majority were bachelor degree scholars 257 (61.0%). About 305 participants, which equals to 72.4% reported to have had sexual intercourse in the past 12 month. Those who reported to have ever had sexual intercourse, 50.5% had their first intercourse at the age between 15 to 19 years. Most participants 239 (56.8%) reported to have used contraceptive method in the past 12 months. After adjusting for confounders (participants’ socio-demographic characteristics), the motivators for family planning use among youth students were, living with relatives (AOR = 2.904, p = 0.006), adequate FP knowledge (AOR = 2.230 p = 0.003), positive perception (AOR = 1.772, p = 0.025) and discussing FP matters with sexual partners (AOR = 6.045, p= <0. 001). Conclusion: The study has revealed that prevalence of FP use among higher learning students was relative higher. This was determined by discussing contraceptive matters with sexual partners, living with relatives other than their parents, adequate FP knowledge and positive perception towards FP utilization.