Abstract:
Background: Countries in conflict and post-conflict including the case of refugee camps have the
highest levels of maternal and child mortality in the world. While the use of modern
contraception around the world has grown, prevalence of modern contraceptive use is still low
in refugee camp settings.
Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess the prevalence and determinants of modern
family planning use among married women residing in Sheder refugee camp Somali Region.
Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 25 to April 5,
2011. Simple random sampling technique was employed to select 329 married women in
reproductive age group. Data was collected using structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Data
was entered and analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 software.Frequency tables, graphs and
descriptive summaries were used to describe the study variables. Both bivariate and multivariate
logistic regression an analysis (P-value < 0.05 with 95% CI level) was used as a cut of was used
to see an association and factor influencing the outcome variable. point to see significance of
association.
Results: Most respondents, 284 (91.9%) were aware of at least one modern contraceptive
method. However, only 55(17.8%) women were using modern contraceptive. Variables such as
women’s formal education [AOR = 6.76 95% CI:(2.11, 21.59)], those who had discussions with
their partner [AOR=22.93(95% CI: 3.63, 44.82)], women having number of live children 3 to 4
[AOR=10.93 95% CI: 5.48( 2.38, 50.15)], women who worked outside their home [AOR= 95%
CI:(1.68, 17.89)], women whose husbands approve modern family planning use [AOR=10.7
95% CI:( 1.82, 63)] and women who involved in decision making on modern contraceptive use[
AOR =11 95% CI:(1.57, 36.96)] were significantly associated with modern contraceptive use.
Conclusions and recommendations: The finding showed that the practice of modern
contraceptive use is low. Some of the socio demographic characteristics mentioned above were
depicted as a factors determining use of modern contraceptive use among refugee women.
Therefore, there is a need to promote and strengthen IEC/BCC programs in spheres of modern
family planning programs and women empowerment shall be more encouraged through
autonomy, education and employment to increase the proportion of family planning users.
