Comparative Analysis Of Determinants Of Unmet Need For Current Contraceptive Practice Among Women Of Reproductive Age Living In Formal And Informal Settlements Of Eldoret Town, Kenya

Purpose: Unmet need for modern contraception is one of the most vital indicators of birth control programs and policies. It is challenging to motivate women of childbearing age to adopt contemporary means of birth control especially in urban poor settings. To determine the factors associated with unmet need for limiting and spacing births among women of reproductive age living in formal and informal settlements of Eldoret town. Methodology: A community based cross sectional and analytical study of mixed methods was conducted in Langas informal settlement and Old Uganda Road Estates of Eldoret town. 527respondents (15 to 49) were enrolled through multistage sampling. Independent variables included age, marital status and level of education among others. Dependent variable was unmet need. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were used in data analysis. Odds ratios with 95% confidence interval were calculated. P value of less than 0.05 was used to establish statistical significance. Findings: Age, place of residence, partner's level of education, employment, religion, marital status, number of living children, husband disapproval, husbands decision on number of children, accessibility and never having been pregnant were significantly associated with unmet need for modern contraception. Unmet need for limiting births was high among residents of Old Uganda road compared with Langas. On the contrary, unmet need for spacing childbirths was higher in Langas than Old Uganda road estate. Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: Health education on benefits of contraceptive services, available methods, usage and side effects of the methods in both settlements. Couple counseling on FP discussion to enhance approval. Increase FP service providers in Langas.