Intrauterine device uptake among women seeking family planning services in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

The main objective of this study was to determine the uptake of the intrauterine device (IUD) among women seeking family planning (FP) services at Level 4 public hospitals in Nairobi County.

This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study that used both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Interviewer-administered, semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were used to collect data. Sample size was 380 women with 100% response rate.

The uptake of IUD was 7.9% (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.6–13.2%). The uptake increased with age, with those aged above 30 years using the device more compared with those aged below 30 years. Drivers of IUD uptake included: parity (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=8.545 CI: 4.399–16.599%,P<0.001), awareness of IUD provision in the facility (aOR=1.824, P=0.038) and a favourable perception of IUD (aOR=5.816, P<0.001). The qualitative data from the focus group discussion included common myths such as: ‘IUD might travel to other body organs’ and ‘it spreads infection in the body’.

Uptake is low in the two hospitals and more awareness should be created on IUD availability. Uptake should be encouraged among young women and those of lower parity.