SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS INFLUENCING MODERN CONTRACEPTIVE UTILIZATION AMONG WOMEN OF THE REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN TURKANA COUNTY, KENYA

Douglas Sendora Okenyoru* and Vincent Omwenga Matoke

Background: Modern contraception plays a crucial role in safeguarding women's health, offering a range of methods tailored to diverse needs. On a global scale, approximately 1.1 billion women are in need of family planning, yet a significant portion, 172 million, face unmet contraceptive needs, particularly prevalent in developing nations. Despite advancements, Turkana County in Kenya trails behind with a 26.3% gap in contraceptive utilization, largely attributed to sociocultural hurdles. This research centers on socio-demographic determinants impacting contraceptive uptake in Turkana, aiming to tackle distinctive challenges prevalent in the region. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design was used, with 360 participants selected through systematic random sampling from registered households. SPSS 21.0 made analysis easier, revealing correlations using frequencies, proportions, and Chi-squared tests. The results were visually presented. Results: The study revealed a modern contraceptive utilization rate of 53%. Socio-demographic factors significantly impact modern contraceptive utilization, including age category (p < 0.001), occupational status (p < 0.001), Monthly income (p < 0.001), marital status (p < 0.001) and awareness of modern contraceptive (p < 0.001). Conclusion and Recommendations: The study findings revealed significant socio-demographic influences on modern contraceptive use, with younger age groups, lower-income individuals, unemployed women, married individuals, and smaller family sizes exhibiting higher adoption rates. To address disparities, Turkana County needs to emphasize prioritizing improved access to family planning services, particularly in rural areas, through initiatives like additional health centers or mobile clinics and ensuring a steady contraceptive supply.