Family Planning Among Catholics And Anglicans In Dodoma Municipality

ABSTRACT

The major objective of this study was to examine the influence of religious beliefs on family planning among Catholics and Anglicans in Dodoma municipality. Four wards were selected. From each ward 25 respondents were randomly selected making a total of 100. Specific objectives of the study were to; (1) identify the contraceptives mostly used in the study area, (2) assess the practices of family planning among Catholics and Anglicans in the study area, and (3) examine the perception of followers of Catholic and Anglican churches in regard with family planning practices. Data collection was done using structured questionnaire to obtain quantitative and qualitative data. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and in-depth discussions were conducted with people with information on family planning issues to obtain detailed information. Interviews were undertaken with key informants guided by checklist questions. Data analysis was based on descriptive statistics, crosstabs, frequency analysis and percentages. Data were presented using texts, Tables and Figures to illustrate findings. Results from the analysis show that there was association between family planning practices and respondents‘ religion. From the results it was concluded that religious beliefs had influence on their followers on the family planning practices. It was recommended that churches should organize seminars on family issues that involve both husbands and wives; churches should put clear their stand and teachings on family planning to their followers; and education on traditional methods should be given by involving specialists and experts on family planning in order to eliminate difficulties that people face.