The intrauterine contraceptive device (IUD/IUCD) is a safe, effective and long-acting reversible
contraceptive method commonly used worldwide. Despite its proven safety, efficacy and its
reversibility, the IUD/IUCD is one of the contraceptive methods that is under-utilized in many
African countries, including Namibia.
The purpose of this study was to explore and describe the knowledge, attitudes and practices
regarding the IUD/IUCD among family planning (FP) providers and acceptors in Khomas Region,
Namibia.
A non-experimental, quantitative, exploratory, descriptive study was conducted among 582 FP
acceptors and nine (9) FP providers at nine (9) health facilities. For this study, two (2) structured
interview questionnaires were developed, one for the FP acceptors and one for the providers, as
tools for data collection.
A probability sampling technique was applied to select the sample for the FP acceptors which was
calculated using the Epi Info version 7, Statcalc, based on a P=50%, 4% margin of error and 95%
confidence level. No actual sampling was performed for FP providers, thus the researcher studied
the whole population, those who were providing FP services during data collection. The data were
entered, cleaned and analyzed using Epi Info version 7 software.
Overall, about half of the FP acceptors did not know about the IUD/IUCD, while almost all knew
the injectables and oral contraceptive pills. All FP providers knew about the IUD/IUCD, but some
have never seen it. Neither the FP acceptors, nor the providers had adequate specific knowledge
content of the IUD/IUCD. Nevertheless, the attitude of the FP acceptors and providers was
generally positive to the potential use of IUD/IUCD in the future.