Demographic and sociocultural factors influencing contraceptive use in Uganda

Bivariate and multivariate analyses of the influence of demographic and sociocultural factors on contraceptive knowledge, attitudes and practice among currently married respondents in Uganda show that: (1) contraceptive knowledge is widespread, even among women with no education; (ii) the majority of the respondents have favourable attitudes towards contraceptive use; (iii) the level of contraceptive use is low in comparison with knowledge and attitudes. Post-primary education, ethnicity, residence, the presence of the spouse in the household and discussion of family planning with spouse were strong predictors of knowledge and favourable attitudes towards contraception. Secondary or higher education, discussion of family planning with spouse and urban residence strongly influenced contraceptive use, but child mortality did not. The use of condoms as a behavioural change to avoid contracting HIV/AIDS was low. The results suggest that, particularly in rural areas, family planning services are not meeting the needs of potential clients.