HEALTHCARE SYSTEM FACTORS INFLUENCING MODERN CONTRACEPTIVE UTILIZATION AMONG WOMEN OF THE REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN TURKANA COUNTY, KENYA

Douglas S. Okenyoru*

Background: Modern contraception is essential for women's health, offering diverse methods tailored to individual needs. Globally, 1.1 billion women require family planning, but 172 million face unmet contraceptive needs, especially in developing nations. In Kenya, despite progress, Turkana County lags by 26.3% in contraceptive utilization, facing sociocultural challenges. This research targets healthcare factors affecting contraceptive utilization, addressing Turkana's unique issues. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design was utilized, with 360 participants chosen through systematic random sampling from registered households. SPSS 21.0 facilitated analysis, revealing correlations through frequencies, proportions, and Chi-Square tests. Results were visually presented. Results: The study revealed a modern contraceptive utilization rate of 53%. Healthcare system factors significantly impact modern contraceptive utilization, including distance to health facilities (p < 0.000), availability of family planning services (p < 0.000), positive healthcare worker attitudes (p < 0.000), sufficient health providers (p < 0.000), and expected service time (p = 0.003). Conclusion and Recommendations: The study underscores the pivotal role of healthcare system factors in Turkana's contraceptive utilization. Accessible, positive healthcare experiences significantly impact utilization. To address disparities, Turkana County need to prioritize healthcare investment, extending family planning to remote areas through mobile clinics or outreach programs, training positive healthcare workers, and ensuring timely, fostering enhanced reproductive health outcomes.