Challenges faced by women of reproductive age (15-49) in accessing family planning services in a post-conflict setting : case of northern Uganda
Document type: mthesis
Download file(s):
185342 (480 KB)
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Family planning service is a public health problem in Uganda faces numerous challenges; however, the experience of war had made it more challenging for women in Northern Uganda to use and access FP services. Civil unrest has caused a state of poverty, rape, health care disruption, high maternal death and child mortality in the region. Unmet need for family planning is high (12%) in the North, twice the national average of 23% (UDHS, 2006). Women in war-torn zones are susceptible to rape, violence and poverty which exposes them to unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, early marriages for young girls, trauma and death. This among other things undermines women’s power to control their fertility. METHOD: A literature review to identify barriers leading to the low use of FP services among women 15-49 years of age, in post conflict Northern Uganda. Busza and Lush conceptual framework was adopted to describe and analyse the barriers and impact of war on FP outcomes. RESULTS: The use of family planning services in post-conflicts is affected by the poor healthcare systems, negative cultural beliefs, gender inequalities and poverty. Countries with similar experience indicate that FP services in war-torn states can be effectively achieved when integrated with other programs. Advocacy, research, partnership’ coordination, and governments’ commitment of stewardship goes a long way to improve women’s reproductive health care services. CONCLUSION: The use of family planning is affected by different patterns in conflict settings ascribed in the framework. To address this critical public health problem; it requires every partner to play their role.
Authors:
Nandudu, H.
Country:
Uganda
Category:
Research
Department:
Development Policy & Practice
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Keywords:
conflict
,
reproductive health
,
health services
Language:
eng
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
PAGE:
vi, 37
Year:
2009
Region:
East Africa
Right:
© 2009 Nandudu
Subject:
Health and Nutrition
Title:
Challenges faced by women of reproductive age (15-49) in accessing family planning services in a post-conflict setting : case of northern Uganda
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (ICHD)