“We provide the methods to others but we don’t use the methods ourselves”: challenges with utilization of modern contraception among Female Healthcare Workers at two tertiary teaching hospitals, Northern Uganda

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dc.contributor.authorOpee, Jimmy
dc.contributor.authorOpiro, Keneth
dc.contributor.authorManano, Priscilla
dc.contributor.authorSikoti, Margret
dc.contributor.authorAyikoru, Jackline
dc.contributor.authorAkello, Harriet
dc.contributor.authorLaker, Fiona Gladys
dc.contributor.authorWolters, K. Maria
dc.contributor.authorAwor, Silvia
dc.contributor.authorPebalo Pebolo, Francis
dc.contributor.authorBongomin, Felix
dc.date.accessioned2025-05-20T13:02:15Z
dc.date.available2025-05-20T13:02:15Z
dc.date.issued2024-10-31
dc.descriptionWe would like to acknowledge the study participants, the administrators of the Gulu University Teaching Hospitals (St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor and Gulu Regional Referral Hospital).
dc.description.abstractBackground Female Healthcare Workers (FHCWs) play a crucial role in advocating for, delivering modern contraceptive methods (MCM) to reproductive-age women and potential users. Despite the high frequency of women seeking healthcare annually, less than half receive adequate contraceptive counseling and services. Investigating FHCWs’ adherence to these practices and understanding the obstacles they encounter is essential. This study aimed to explore challenges with utilization of MCM among FHCWs at the two tertiary teaching hospitals in Northern Uganda. Methods We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional study employing a qualitative approach at St. Mary’s Hospital Lacor (SMHL) and Gulu Regional Referral Hospital (GRRH), Northern Uganda. Qualitative data were explored using the principles of descriptive phenomenology to gain deeper insights into the experiences of twenty (20) FHCWs. Results Findings revealed various challenges faced by FHCWs, including patient barriers such as religious beliefs, contraceptive myths, fear of side effects, and provider barriers like lack of knowledge, training, and discomfort. Additionally, health system barriers like limited time and competing priorities were identified. Conclusion Female Healthcare workers experience challenges with utilization of MCM. Efforts should focus on enhancing contraceptive services, particularly in faith-based facilities and among married individuals. Besides, addressing perceived barriers at the patient, provider, and system levels through comprehensive health education, ensuring method availability, and provider training is imperative.
dc.description.sponsorshipThis study was funded by Centre for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT) at the University of Michigan in the United States of America. Funders had no roles in proposal development, implementation of the project and writing of this manuscript.
dc.identifier.citationOpee, J., et al. “We provide the methods to others but we don’t use the methods ourselves”: challenges with utilization of modern contraception among Female Healthcare Workers at two tertiary teaching hospitals, Northern Uganda. Contracept Reprod Med 9, 54 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40834-024-00313-8
dc.identifier.issn20557426
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14270/507
dc.language.isoen
dc.publisherContraception and Reproductive Medicine
dc.relation.ispartofseriesVol. 9; No. 54
dc.subjectFemale healthcare workers
dc.subjectGulu University Teaching Hospitals
dc.subjectModern contraception methods
dc.subjectNorthern Uganda
dc.subjectUtilization
dc.title“We provide the methods to others but we don’t use the methods ourselves”: challenges with utilization of modern contraception among Female Healthcare Workers at two tertiary teaching hospitals, Northern Uganda
dc.typeArticle

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