Family Planning Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) of Women and Men in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo

Background: Family planning is interwoven into many aspects of life, such as maternal/infant health, gender equality, education and poverty. Increasing the contraception-use prevalence is a cost effective means to improve the quality of live for people in many aspects. The most recent National Health Survey in 2007 demonstrated that the population in Kinshasa is highly knowledgeable about contraceptives (>99%), however, only 10% are utilizing any modern method. Previous research focused predominantly on the negative attitude of men towards contraception. While men play a vital role in family planning decision-making, other factors such as women's association of contraception use with promiscuity can be of equal impact. Purpose: The survey will examine factors associated with low use of contraception methods to identify possible barriers to contraception utilization, such as gender roles, education, SES and negative attitudes towards birth control. Methods: This population-based study will examine KAP towards family planning among 1500 women and men of reproductive age in Kinshasa, recruited through a block-stratified household survey. Native speaking fieldworkers will obtain primary data through a questionnaire, to investigate demographic information in combination with current utilization practices, preferences of number of children, fear of side effects, attitudes and misconceptions about modern contraceptives, affordability and identified decision-making about contraceptives. Results: Expected results will help the researchers better understand the allocation and expectations of gender roles and decision-making with regards to contraception use, as well as clarifying what social stigmas are associated with contraceptive use for women in Kinshasa.