Family planning KAP survey in Gaza

This study explores the reproductive attitudes, contraceptive use, demand for family planning and related topics of a representative sample of the female population of reproductive age resident in a Refugee Camp in the Gaza Strip. A cluster sample of 841 resident women of reproductive age (15-49 years) was interviewed in their homes. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed using BMDP software. 98% of the interviewees favour family planning and 88% plan to use a contraceptive in the future. However, 52% of the women at risk do not use any contraception because of their husband's opposition, fear of side effects or lack of knowledge. The risk of having seven or more children is positively associated with a woman's low educational level and husband's desire for more than seven children. Despite favourable attitudes regarding family planning, there is ignorance and the prevalence of contraception use is low. There is a gap between fertility preference and achievement. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.