Access to Family Planning Services in Rural Tanzania: Barriers and Policy Options

This article explored how quality of care and attitudinal and behavioural issues of the potential users merge together to influence adoption of family planning methods. Data were collected from providers of health services, clients, and non-clients of family planning services in two districts in rural Tanzania. Although family planning services are generally available, the range of options available at the primary healthcare level tends to be limited, which limits the ability of users to switch methods. Proper management of clients was also found to be weak. Inadequate information on modern contraceptives, misunderstandings on possible side effects and problems of male inclusion stand out as important demand side constraints to adoption. Deliberate efforts to ensure integrated family planning services at primary healthcare and improvement of the infrastructure to allow for privacy, and skills to manage clients appropriately can considerably help boost adoption. The potential of community health workers in delivering services like injectable contraceptives should also be tapped.