Knowledge, attitude, and perception on dual protection utilization among women of (15-49 Years) accessing modern contraceptives at Mbale regional referral hospital.
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Date
2026
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Busitema University
Abstract
Introduction
Despite the availability of modern contraceptives in Mbale Regional Referral Hospital and the critical need to prevent the dual risks of unintended pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, there appeared to be a gap in the use of dual protection methods among women aged 15-49 years. For instance, in July, the total number of women who chose condoms as their choice of contraception was 3 out of 220 mothers (1.36%). In August, it was only 2 of 98 mothers (2.22%), and in September, 1 of 88 (1.13%) out of all the mothers who accessed modern contraceptive services.
While this group of women has took a proactive step by accessing highly effective modern contraceptives such as implants, injectables, and intrauterine devices to prevent pregnancy, there was still limited use of dual protection among women in Mbale Regional Referral Hospital.
Study objective
It was to explore the Knowledge, Attitude and Perception about dual protection utilization among women of 15-49 Years accessing modern contraceptives at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital.
Study aims
The study aimed to assess the Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceptions. This helped increase protection against both unwanted pregnancies and STIs. It also helped to inform targeted interventions to improve the utilization of dual protection at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital.
Research methods
We employed a descriptive cross-sectional study design, and data were collected from the Mbale Regional Referral Hospital family planning clinic among women aged 15 to 49 years accessing modern contraceptives. A consecutive sampling method was used to recruit participants for the study, and a sample size of 312 participants was determined using the Kish-Leslie formula. Univariate, bivariate using chai squares and multivariable analysis using logistic regression were used for data analysis using Stata version 15.
Results
Knowledge was generally high, with a percentage of 73.31%(n=228), attitudes were generally favorable, with 62.70% (n=195) women who possessed positive attitudes towards dual protection; however, perceptions were largely poor, with 52.90%(n=164). Despite the high knowledge and positive attitudes, more than half of the study population demonstrated a poor perception of dual protection. The main predictors were prior targeted awareness, stable relationship dynamics and internalized positive attitudes. However, age, education among others had no effect on the final analysis.
Conclusion
The study demonstrated that achieving high knowledge outcomes (73.31) %and favorable attitudes (62.70) % was not yet supportive enough for productive reproductive health. The ultimate factor restricting dual protection utilization is a high prevalence of poor personal perceptions (52.90) % regarding sexual satisfaction, side effects, and partner dynamics. Dual protection is not driven by the women’s age, marriage, or general school education. It is entirely dependent on whether she had direct institutional contact with health care services, prior targeted awareness, stable relationship dynamics, and internalized positive attitudes that give women self-efficacy to negotiate barrier methods with her partner.
Family planning, Dual Protection, Modern Contraceptives, Mbale Regional Referral, Hospital, Knowledge, Attitude and Perception
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Citation
Nakaweesa, E. (2026). Knowledge, attitude, and perception on dual protection utilization among women aged 15–49 years accessing modern contraceptives at Mbale regional referral hospital (Unpublished undergraduate research report). Busitema University.