“Some rumors can make you fear to use the methods”: A qualitative analysis of barriers to the utilization of modern family planning services among adolescent girls and young women in rural Northern Uganda

Introduction: Modern family planning services are crucial for sexually active Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) to prevent unintended pregnancies. Objective To explore the barriers to the utilization of modern family planning services among AGYW in Oyam District, Northern Uganda. Methods We conducted a qualitative study involving eight focus group discussions (FGDs) each with ten respondents, who were AGYW, aged 15–24 years residing in Oyam district Northern Uganda. The FGDs lasted 60–90 minutes and they were audio-recorded. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim and Open Code software was used to evaluate the data using both an inductive and deductive thematic approach. Results Four main themes emerged as barriers to modern family planning services use. First, opposition to family planning including; religious, male and cultural opposition. Secondly, health concerns such as side effects related to family planning use. Thirdly, health systems factors such as low availability of family planning methods and long waiting time at the health facilities and lastly, rumors and misconceptions. Conclusion The barriers to the utilization of modern family planning methods among AGYW in Oyam District, Northern Uganda were consistent with those observed in other studies around the world. Interventions to improve access to modern family planning services among this population can be implemented under three broad themes. (1) Alleviating opposition to family planning, (2) Addressing health concerns related to family planning such side effects plus misconceptions/rumors and (3) Improving the quality of family planning services. For these interventions to be effective, they should be directed to the individual, the family/intimate partner, and the community at large.