Factors Associated with the Unmet Need for Family Planning among Women in El-Beheira Governorate
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Introduction: Unmet need for family planning represents a significant public health issue, particularly in developing countries, where it contributes to unintended pregnancies and their linked health and socioeconomic consequences. It refers to women who desire to delay or cease childbearing but do not use any family planning method, often due to multiple factors, including fear of side effects, inadequate knowledge, and sociodemographic factors. Aim: To identify factors associated with the unmet need for family planning among women in El-Beheira Governorate, Egypt. Design: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used. Setting: The study was carried out at 8 Maternal and Child Health (MCH) centers affiliated with the Ministry of Health in El-Beheira Governorate, Egypt, in 4 directorates namely: Damanhour, Abu Hummus, Itay El-Baroud and El-Mahmoudia Subjects: A convenient sample of 400 women visiting the selected family health centers for routine infant immunization. Tool: A single structured interview schedule was used, consisting of five main parts: Part I – Socio-demographic and economic factors; Part II – Reproductive factors; Part III – Knowledge about family planning; Part IV – Sociocultural factors; Part V – Other factors related to the unmet need for family planning Results: Unmet need for family planning was significantly associated with women’s misconceptions about contraceptive methods (P < 0.001), belief that early pregnancy is more convenient (P = 0.001), and restrictions imposed by family members (P < 0.001). Sociodemographic, reproductive, knowledge-related, sociocultural, and service-related factors were key contributors. Conclusion: Misconceptions, family discouragement, and poor service quality were major factors contributing unmet need for family planning in El-Beheira Governorate, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Recommendations: Nurses should provide comprehensive, individualized counseling on family planning methods, focusing on correcting misconceptions and improving service quality to address unmet need.
Source: Egyptian Journal of Health Care
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7222893111