Abstract:
BACKGROUND : Empowering women to have a full control over the size of their family is not
only an issue of human rights but also a sustainable development goal. This study sought
to determine the factors influencing the use of contraception amongst female patients aged
18–49 years attending Odi District Hospital, Tshwane district.
METHODS : A cross-sectional survey was carried out from September 2018 to February 2019 at
Odi District Hospital. A representative sample size of 400 female patients was recruited by
systematic random sampling. Logistic regression model was used to determine the most
influential predictors.
RESULTS : The mean age in the studied population was 30.65 (±7.57) years. Contraceptive
prevalence was estimated to be 55.3%. Dual protection (condom) was used as additional
method by up to 72.3% of respondents. Injectables remained the most used contraceptive
method, while more permanent methods, such as Bilateral Tubal Ligation (BTL), were less
utilised. The source of family planning information, past exposure to contraceptive methods
and woman’s number of living children (parity) determined the use of contraception amongst
Odi district females.
CONCLUSION : This study revealed a discrepancy within the maternal health delivery system
regarding the supply and demand chain prompting the need for more insights. The results
suggest evidence-based reengineering programme that incorporates contraceptive uptake
determinants into the maternal health delivery system.
