Factors influencing the choice of family planning (FP) methods among married women in Swat District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Background: Women’s preference for contraceptive methods is influenced by various factors including; age, gender, contraceptive intention (spacing versus limiting) and lactation status. Khyber Pukhtoon Khwa (KPK) is one of the provinces in Pakistan that currently has the second highest Total Fertility Rate (TFR) and the lowest Contraceptive Prevalence Rate (CPR) with significant preference for traditional methods. Swat is a district in KPK known for its distinct socio-cultural background. This study was conducted to identify factors, views and perceptions influencing contraceptive use and the choice of contraceptive method among married women in Swat. Method: The study was conducted using mixed method approach. A cross sectional survey was carried out at 19 health facilities to collect information on knowledge and practice of married women regarding family planning and family planning methods they are using. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in rural and urban communities to understand the context of contraceptive use and the method preferred. Results: Quantitative data showed that advancing age and increasing parity increases the use of modern contraceptive methods. This data also revealed that showed that lack or inadequate knowledge about family planning and fear of side effects and infertility hinders contraceptive use; this finding was validated through FGDs as well.. FDGs further identified that lack of women empowerment, resistance from husband and in-laws and misinterpretation of religion that family planning prohibited in Islam are other barriers for using contraceptives. Conclusion: Limited knowledge about family planning methods, lack of women’s empowerment and misinterpretations of religion still significantly hinder family planning use and influence choice of contraceptive method. Keywords: Modern contraceptive methods, Married Women, Swat, choic