Family Planning Uptake and Associated Factors Among Women of Reproductive Age (15-49 Years) in Rubavu District, Rwanda

Despite global progress, 164 million women worldwide still want to limit childbearing but lack access to contraception. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 21 million women experience pregnancies annually, with half being unintended. While Rwanda has achieved a 58% family planning prevalence rate nationally, regional disparities persist. This study examined family planning uptake and associated factors among women aged 15-49 years in Rubavu District, Rwanda, to inform health policies and reduce access barriers. This cross-sectional study surveyed 382 women of reproductive age attending postnatal care services at selected health centers. Data was collected using a validated questionnaire and analysed with SPSS version 25.0, with statistical significance set at p<0.05. Among participants, 85% were currently using family planning methods. Key factors associated with increased uptake included secondary or higher education (COR=2.59), having 1-2 children versus 4-5 children (COR=2.66), husband approval (COR=3.27), and shorter travel times to health centers (COR=4.42). Multivariate analysis confirmed that women in Ubudehe category 2 (AOR=3.97), those with husband approval (AOR=2.68), previous family planning users (AOR=8.37), and women living within one hour of health centers (AOR=4.88) had significantly higher odds of family planning use. Effective interventions should focus on expanding women's education, engaging male partners in family planning decisions, and improving geographic access to health centers. Addressing these factors could substantially increase family planning uptake and improve reproductive health outcomes in Rubavu District. Keywords: Family Planning, Uptake, Associated Factors, Among Women, Reproductive Age (15-49 Years), Rubavu District, Rwanda