Abstract

This cross-sectional study aims at identifying the demographic and socio economic barriers to family planning services utilization in Mojo town, Oromiya region of Ethiopia.  The study used data collected from 551 women respondents (age 15 to 49) selected through systematic random sampling techniques. Data were analyzed using both univariate and multi-variate (logistic regression) statistical techniques. The findings of the study revealed that the level of knowledge and approval of family planning were high, 91.5 and 82.2% respectively. However, the actual practice of family planning methods was found to be low where only 38.3 were using any family planning method at the time of the survey. The most common methods for both ever and current users were injectable, pills and condom, whereas the most common source of family planning information was reported to be clinics. The logistic regression model showed that the likelihood of family planning service utilization is higher for those with higher parity, literate, approved use of family planning methods, discussed with husband/partners and those exposed to mass media. Fertility related, opposition, methods related, and access to sources/knowledge were reported reasons by non-users. Finally, based on the key findings of the study, some plausible recommendations were given which includes: educating potential users about the benefits of family planning, intensive male-targeted information, improving accessibility and availability of contraceptives and building the capacity of service providers at the institutional level.

Key words: Barriers, contraceptive, service utilization, determinants, Mojo town.