Contributor Factors Associate to Underutilization of Family Planning Services in Karisimbi Health Zone, Goma City’s, Democratic Republic of Congo

Introduction: Despite the progress made, access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in general, and in the DRC in particular, faces major obstacles, resulting in high rates of maternal mortality, unwanted pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The challenges currently being faced include the unavailability of reproductive health services, geographical inaccessibility, cultural and religious norms, stigmatization, and low levels of maternal education. Methodology: This observational cross-sectional study focuses on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of women of childbearing age (15 to 49 years) regarding family planning in the Mugunga health area, located in the Karisimbi health zone, city of Goma, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This research covers a short period of six months from 1 October 2024 to 31 March 2025. Data collection, entry and recording were carried out using the Open Data Kit Collect (KoBoToolbox) software, while the analysis was carried out on the statistics product and service solution (SPSS) software version 27.0. The Pearson Chi-Square (X2) statistical test was applied in this research. Results: Significant socio-demographic factors associated with low use of family planning services using modern contraceptive methods are single marital status (x² = 236.108), young age of study participants (x² = 155.83), low level of education of participants (x2 = 69.90), and low number of children at the time of the study (maximum of 2 children) (x2 = 161.69). Conclusion: adherence to modern family planning methods remains low in our study setting. Several socio-demographic, cultural and religious factors contribute to this low proportion. Promoting maternal and child health through community health workers would help improve adherence to modern family planning (FP).