Assessment Of The Adoption Rate Of Modern Contraceptives Use Among Maasai Societies In Ngorongoro District, Arusha Region

ABSTRACT

The study on the assessment of the adoption rate of modern contraceptives use for

planning among Maasai societies was carried out in Ngorongoro district, within three

villages namely Ngorongoro, Nainokanoka and Endulen. Face to face questionnaire,

interview and Focus Group Discussion were used in data collection. A total of 96

respondents were involved in the study. The information obtained was then analyzed

using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) and qualitative information

was analyzed using content analysis.

The study findings indicate that, about 50% of Maasai community perceives modern

contraceptives negatively. The reasons for negative perception include; health

problems like abnormal pain and over breeding during menstruation cycle, the

practice is against Maasai cultural norms and also the practice encourage

prostitution. Moreover, findings indicate that family planning programs/institutions

are not effective on promoting modern contraceptives due to poor response of people

on attending these programs/institutions, rumors on side effects as well as partner‟s

opposition. Furthermore, a field result indicates the problems associated with modern

contraceptive use; such as health problems, poor knowledge on the use as well as

sterility.

The study concludes that, dispensaries/hospitals play a great part on promoting the

modern contraceptive use although there is a great challenge from Maasai cultural

norms, therefore the study recommends that health workers should be well

equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills on provision of family planning

services particularly on the modern contraceptive use among these communities.