Family planning unmet need profile in Mosul city, north of Iraq : a cross-sectional stud

Abstract EN

developing countries, as has the desire for smaller families, however, millions of women, more than 150 million women, want to delay or avoid pregnancy but are not using contraception, these women are considered to have unmet need for family planning.

Aim and Objectives The aim of the present study is to assess the level of unmet need in Mosul City in the north of Iraq, and determining reasons.

Methods and Participants A cross sectional survey was done covering1786 currently married fecund women attending the immunization unit of the chosen primary health care centers.

A standard questionnaire formula was used and filled by direct interview with the participants.

Results The most important reasons of unmet need were health concerns/side effects which were responsible for 49.3% of causes of unmet need, followed by low perceived risk of pregnancy (20.1%), family and religious opposition (14.4%), lack of knowledge and accessibility concerns (10.6%) and other causes (5.3%).

Conclusion It is important to study the unmet need in a longitudinal perspective.

This is the only research design that permits evaluating transitions in family planning status over time.