Survey: Myths hamper use of contraceptives

By Felix Olick

A survey has shown that 64 per cent of men and women in Nairobi believe that contraceptives can reduce women’s sexual urge.

The Household and Service Delivery Points Survey Report also indicated that 77 per cent of men and women in Mombasa believe that contraceptives are dangerous to health.

And 77 per cent of the population in Kakamega believe that people who use contraceptives would give birth to deformed babies.

The report that was carried out by Tupange, a non governmental organisation and executed by the National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) indicated that 41 per cent of the population in Machakos believe that women who use family planning methods may become promiscuous.

Speaking during the launch of the report at Intercontinental Hotel in Nairobi yesterday, KNBS Acting Director Population and Statistics Macdonald Obudho said myths are prevalent across the country despite knowledge of family planning.

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"Some of the common myths held are that contraceptives can harm the womb and that a person who uses contraception will give birth to deformed babies," said Mr Obudho.

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The survey that was carried out in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Machakos and Kakamega between September and December 2010 also shows that women are not accessing family planing services with the poor women being the hardest hit.

Among unmarried sexually active women, unmet need ranges from 26 per cent in the middle class in Nairobi to 78 per cent in the poorest segment in Mombasa.

The survey also indicated that about a third of women in urban centres have never discussed fertility issues with their partners and some especially in Mombasa require to ask permission from their husbands to use contraceptives. Speaking during the release of the report, Public Health PS Mark Bor said such findings are critical in policy formulation.