Exploring the factors associated with unmet need for family planning in settings with highest prevalence in Egypt

Background: Despite efforts made to expand access to family planning (FP) services, a significant proportion of currently married women in rural Upper Egypt still has an unmet need for FP. The current study sought to understand the reasons behind the unmet need for FP in two settings with highest prevalence. Study design: The study adopted qualitative methodology including focus group discussions with 48 women with unmet need for FP and in-depth interviews with ten service providers in Assuit and Souhag Governorates, both located in upper Egypt. Data were transcribed and the transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Norms and traditions favoring many children per family especially sons result in family opposition to contraceptive use, specifically the husbands and mothers-in-law. Experiencing side effects and fear of health-related consequences of contraceptive use linked to prevalent myths stand out as potential reasons for unmet need. Conclusion: The study highlighted the gap in communication activities to defy the myths related to contraceptives and the need to focus on counseling provided by the service providers to include proper use of FP methods, potential side effects and how to deal with them instead of discontinuing contraceptive methods or refrain using them.