The purpose of this study was to assess men’s knowledge and attitude towards vasectomy as a family planning method options available to men in East Wollega zone of Oromia Region. Male sterilisation in sub-Saharan countries including Ethiopia is very much limited due to lots of reasons despite its many advantages than other family planning methods. Quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional research was used to describe level of knowledge and attitude towards vasectomy. Data were collected using structured questionnaire in which a total of 150 respondents, who were selected using non-random purposive sampling technique participated in the study. The data were analysed using SPSS version 20. Hence the findings revealed the lack of knowledge and low interest on vasectomy among respondents. The concerted effort from all stakeholders and use of multiple strategies to educate the community will raise awareness which in turn improves vasectomy service uptake / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

The purpose of this study was to assess men’s knowledge and attitude towards vasectomy as a family planning method options available to men in East Wollega zone of Oromia Region. Male sterilisation in sub-Saharan countries including Ethiopia is very much limited due to lots of reasons despite its many advantages than other family planning methods. Quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional research was used to describe level of knowledge and attitude towards vasectomy. Data were collected using structured questionnaire in which a total of 150 respondents, who were selected using non-random purposive sampling technique participated in the study. The data were analysed using SPSS version 20. Hence the findings revealed the lack of knowledge and low interest on vasectomy among respondents. The concerted effort from all stakeholders and use of multiple strategies to educate the community will raise awareness which in turn improves vasectomy service uptake / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

This study aimed at identifying the socio-demographic and service related factors influencing intra uterine contraceptive device (IUD) utilization among family planning clients in Addis Ababa. With a quantitative, cross sectional descriptive design approach, data was collected using structured questionnaires administered by healthcare supervisors. A total of 366 family planning clients and 35 family planning service providers were interviewed. The findings indicated that the level of education, occupation, parity and fertility plan have significant (p<0.05) association with utilization of IUD. Healthcare service provider’s knowledge and skills for provision of intra uterine contraceptive device services were low. Community members lack awareness and knowledge of the benefit and side effects of the device. Therefore, community members need education to promote adherence and effective use of IUD. Similarly, healthcare service providers need skill training and education to ensure quality provision of IUD service / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

This study aimed at identifying the socio-demographic and service related factors influencing intra uterine contraceptive device (IUD) utilization among family planning clients in Addis Ababa. With a quantitative, cross sectional descriptive design approach, data was collected using structured questionnaires administered by healthcare supervisors. A total of 366 family planning clients and 35 family planning service providers were interviewed. The findings indicated that the level of education, occupation, parity and fertility plan have significant (p<0.05) association with utilization of IUD. Healthcare service provider’s knowledge and skills for provision of intra uterine contraceptive device services were low. Community members lack awareness and knowledge of the benefit and side effects of the device. Therefore, community members need education to promote adherence and effective use of IUD. Similarly, healthcare service providers need skill training and education to ensure quality provision of IUD service / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health)

Improving the implementation of family planning through integration with HIV services is vital to reduce maternal and child morbidity and mortality that has been a concern especially in developing countries like Ethiopia (UNFPA 2016). The aim of this study was to develop a strategic plan that could facilitate the implementation of an integrated family planning and HIV services at the public health centre level. The researcher utilized an explanatory sequential mixed method design with quantitative data collected in the first phase and qualitative data collected in the second phase. Data were collected from 403 clients in face-to-face structured interviews and from 305 service providers by means of a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was applied to describe the findings of the study. Significance testing between variables was computed by odds ratio, p-value and 95% confidence interval. Bivariate and multi-variate logistic regressions were used for the analysis. In Phase 1, awareness of family planning methods, male involvement, marital status, client satisfaction, family income, waiting time, training, awareness of policies/guideline and transport availability were statistically significant challenges identified by clients and service providers. The client and service provider respondents identified previous use of family planning, men’s involvement, client satisfaction, availability of behavioural change communication materials, accessibility, budget, infrastructure and medical resources as opportunities. In phase 2, the researcher utilized the nominal group technique (NGT) to collect qualitative data from programme officers. Twenty-four programme officers from 10 sub city health offices, city and national level participated in two nominal groups, consisting of 12 participants each. Multiple group analysis was used to analyse the data from the nominal groups. The five strategies ranked as the most important were leadership and management; capacity building; implementation of policies and guidelines; advocacy/awareness, and infrastructure. The findings in phase 1 and phase 2 formed the basis for the development of a strategic plan using the process planning model. The strategic plan was developed and validated with the active participation and involvement of programme officers. The plan is intended to be implemented by service providers and programme officers to facilitate the implementation of integrated family planning and HIV services at the public health centre level. / Health Studies / D. Litt et. Phil. (Health Studies)

The aim of the study was to develop strategies to reduce the unmet need for modern contraception among agro-pastoral women. The objectives of the study were to determine the prevalence of unmet need for modern contraception, determine the factors associated with unmet need for modern contraception, and explore the barriers that hindered agro-pastoral women from using modern contraception. A mixed-method research design was used to conduct the study. Data were collected from agro-pastoral women and family planning service providers. Questionnaire and individual in-depth interviews were used to collect the data. The validity and reliability of the quantitative data and trustworthiness of the qualitative data were ensured. Use of standard data collection tools, employing method and data triangulation, and documenting all the procedures of data collection and analysis were among the ways employed to do so The quantitative data were analysed using simple descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the qualitative data. Ethical principles of research such as beneficence, justice, informed consent, respect for persons, privacy and confidentiality and scientific integrity were considered to conduct the study. The study revealed an unmet need of 29.2% (n=112) for modern contraception among agro-pastoral women. The unmet need for birth spacing constituted 21.1% (n=81), whereas the unmet need for birth limiting was 8.1% (n=31). The age of the women, the number of living children, knowledge of modern contraceptive methods, and knowledge of FP service centres were found to be associated with women‘s unmet need for modern contraception. Lack of time and money, lack of knowledge about modern contraception, and fear of side effects were the major individual-level barriers. There were also culture-related factors such as the need for many children that hindered agro-pastoral women from using modern contraception. Moreover, the study disclosed that religious unacceptability and husband‘s and relatives‘ opposition were also among the mentioned barriers. The quality of FP service provision in terms of the competence and behaviour of health service providers, unavailability and inaccessibility of FP service, were also indicated as barriers. The findings informed the development of strategies to reduce agro-pastoral women‘s unmet needs for modern contraception in Eastern Ethiopia. The study further recommended that the health bureaus of the region, zone and district collaborate in ensuring that agro-pastoral women realise the significance of the provision of accessible, equitable, quality modern contraception. It is also essential to equip health facilities with qualified health service providers and necessary facilities. Religious leaders should be involved in disseminating vital, relevant and empowering FP information. / Health Studies / Ph. D. (Public Health)