Evaluation of the offer of family planning services in a rural area of the Bamboutos division in the west region of Cameroon: a cross sectional study

ABSTRACT

Background and aim. The rate of utilization of contraceptive methods in Cameroon is low. The western region has a high fecundicity index and among the women in union using any contraception (30.2%), only 32.5% of them are using a modern method. This study aimed at improving the offer of family planning (FP) services by identifying factors limiting its expansion. Methods. We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study from 1st January to 31st December 2011 in the Bamboutous health district of the West region of Cameroon. We included exhaustively public and private health institutions. The characteristics of health institutions, providers and various FP services offered were obtained from registers and interview of health care providers. Data was analyzed using Epi info software version 3.5.1. Results. Of the 68 health facilities in the Bamboutous health district, 25 (36.8%) offered FP services. Among them, 18 were public (72%), 21(84%) had been existing for over 5-years period and the service offer was integrated (88%). There was often no pipe-borne water (72%). Eighteen of 25 FP institutions had no personnel who had ever received any formal training in FP (72%). Unmet contraceptive need was estimated at 34.7%. The different contraceptive methods received by women were more often injectables (37.3%) and implants (12.6%). Male condom represents 30.8%. Conclusion. The health services in the Bamboutous division are poorly furnished with FP activities in spite of met-needs of 65.3%. Improving on the service offer for FP as well as the training of health care providers is highly recommended