Factors That Influence Attitudes towards Utilization of Modern Family-Planning Methods in Rural Tanzania: Lessons Learned from Application of Participatory Action Research

Asinath Rusibamayila, Columbia University
Jitihada Baraka, Ifakara Health Institute (IHI)
Mohammed Yunus, Ifakara Health Institute (IHI)
Colin Baynes, Columbia University and Ifakara Health Institute (IHI)
Admirabilis Kalolella, Ifakara Health Institute (IHI)
James F. Phillips, Columbia University

Currently in the field of family planning (FP), implementation research is ranked at utmost priority in the research agenda. Researchers are interested to understand why uptake and use of modern FP continues to be low despite having the knowledge of these methods. In this paper we discuss findings from a formative evaluation on demand-side factors that shape attitudes towards modern FP methods and the lessons learned from application of participatory action research (PAR) to tackle these barriers. District and village facilitation teams were assembled for the PAR. Factors that influence attitudes towards contraceptive use include side-effects, stigma, and myths, male and religious opposition. Some of the lessons learnt from the PAR include: 1) Value of using opinion leaders, village and district facilitation teams in community mobilization activities, 2) Programs targeting specific groups had a positive effect on group dynamics 3) Community-wide activities built a sense of ownership to their problems.