Work

“Some rumors can make you fear to use the methods”: a qualitative analysis of barriers to the utilization of modern birth control services among adolescent girls and young women in rural Northern Uganda

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 15-24 years still remain a very important target population for sexual and reproductive health services as their pattern of conduct is more significantly associated with sexual affection . Modern birth control services use among AGYW in Sub-Saharan Africa is still low despite having a high prevalence of unintended pregnancy. Modernbirth controlservices are crucial for sexually active Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) to prevent unintended pregnancies. This study aimed to explore the barriers to the utilization of modern birth controlservices (including short term methods, long term methods and permanent methods) among AGYW (15-24 years) in Oyam District, Northern Uganda. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study involving eight focus group discussions (FGDs) each with ten respondents, who were AGYW, aged 15-24 years residing in Oyam district Northern Uganda. The FGDs lasted 60-90 minutes and they were audio-recorded. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and Open Code software was used to evaluate the data using both an inductive and deductive thematic approach. RESULTS: Three main themes emerged as barriers to modern birth control services use. First, opposition to modern birth control including; religious, male and cultural opposition. Secondly, health concerns related to modern birth control methods use such as side effects, rumors and misconceptions. Thirdly, health systems factors such as availability of modern birth control methods and waiting time at the health facilities. CONCLUSION: The main barriers to the utilization of modern birth control services among AGYW (15 - 24 Years) in Oyam District, Northern Uganda were opposition to modern birth control, health concerns, health systems factors and rumors and misconceptions. Family and community rumors were important decision-influencing factors when it came to using modern family planning services, implying that modern birth control campaigns should target more than just the individual.

Source: BMC Women s Health

DOI: 10.1186/s12905-025-04184-2

Authors: Vella Ayugi, Denis Kimbugwe, Suzan Vicky Laker, Felix Bongomin

Institutions: Gulu University, Makerere University

Language: English

Topic: Reproductive Health and Contraception

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,890