Family planning: knowledge, attitudes and practice survey in Zigone, Myanmar

Area of Science:

• Reproductive Health
• Demography
• Public Health

Background:

• Myanmar historically promoted a pronatalist population policy.
• Contraceptive prevalence and determinants in rural Myanmar are not well-documented.
• Understanding family planning practices is crucial for public health initiatives.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of modern contraceptive use among married women of reproductive age in Zigone township, Myanmar.
• To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to family planning methods.
• To identify factors influencing contraceptive use and non-use.

Main Methods:

• A 30-cluster Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) survey was conducted.
• Sample included 600 married women of reproductive age in rural Myanmar.
• Logistic regression analysis was used to identify determinants of contraceptive use.

Main Results:

• 50.3% of married women were current users of modern contraception.
• High awareness of contraceptive methods; 54% ever used birth spacing methods.
• Oral contraceptives and injectables were the most common methods; IUD and sterilization use was very low.
• Economic status and number of living children positively affected use; age and young children negatively affected use.
• 48% of users obtained supplies from the private sector; 40% from government health officers.

Conclusions:

• A significant proportion of married women in rural Myanmar are using modern contraception, contrary to expectations based on past policies.
• There is a substantial group of potential users not currently using contraception, indicating unmet needs.
• Socioeconomic factors and family size are key determinants of contraceptive uptake, suggesting targeted interventions could increase use.