Kessy, Ancil X.2025-02-122025-02-122024Kessy, Ancil X., 2024. Uptake of family planning among postpartum women at Mwananyamala regional referral hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Kairuki Universityhttp://kuir.ku.ac.tz:4000/handle/123456789/1478A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Public HealthBackground: Effective family planning is crucial for improving maternal and child health outcomes, especially in regions experiencing rapid population growth like Tanzania. Despite global efforts, immediate postpartum modern family planning uptake remains a challenge in resource-constrained countries like Tanzania. Identifying local barriers and determinants is essential for developing targeted interventions to enhance family planning utilization among postpartum women. Objective: The broad objective of the study was to determine uptake and the factors influencing modern family planning utilization among postpartum women at Mwananyamala Regional Referral Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methodology: The study included postpartum women at postnatal care unit in Mwananyamala Regional Referral Hospital. A sample size of 363 participants was obtained using simple random sampling. Data was collected through structured questionnaires and medical record reviews. Data analysis was conducted using Stata 18. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics to summarize data, chi-square tests, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression to determine independent factors associated with PPFP uptake, with significance set at p < 0.05 and 95% confidence intervals. Findings were presented using tables and figures. Results: The study included 363 participants in the final data analysis. The mean age of participants was 30 years (SD=7) and the uptake of immediate family planning was found to be 26%. The significant variables associated with positive influence on uptake of family planning included previous use of family planning (AOR: 32.67, 95% CI: 2.25474.63, p-value =0.011) and prior discussion on family planning with partners (AOR: 26.19, 95% CI: 1.30-527.29, p-value =0.033). Concerns about side-effects had a significant negative influence adjusted OR of 40.67 (95% CI: 7.03-235.12, p-value <0.001), indicating that if these concerns were appropriately addressed the uptake of family might have been boosted. Conclusions: The study highlights that a significant proportion of postpartum women in the study site are not utilizing family planning PPFP services immediately after childbirth. Key factors having positive influence on uptake includes prior use of family planning and having had prior discussions with partner regarding family planning services; while concerns about side-effects of modern family planning methods had a negative influence on uptake of family planning. Recommendations: To enhance uptake of family planning among postpartum women targeted educational interventions should focus on promoting male partner involvement in all matters pertaining to Reproductive and Maternal Health including uptake of family planning to facilitate informed decision making regarding utilization of services. Furthermore addressing concerns about side-effects of modern family planning methods potentially might boost uptake of family planning.enImmediate postpartum family planningcontraceptive uptakepostpartum womenThesis