ABSTRACT

This study, "Influence of Sociocultural Beliefs on the Use of Oral Contraceptives among Women in Rural Cameroon," looked at the influence of the sociocultural factors on women's decisions on the use of oral contraceptives in rural communities. The specific objectives were to measure the impact of traditional beliefs, the role of religious beliefs, the impact of educational inequalities, the impact of male partners, and the strategies to overcome sociocultural problems of contraceptive use. The research design adopted was descriptive survey research, and this research design made it possible to gather quantitative data in a large population. The target population was 200,000 women of reproductive age (15-49 years old) living in rural areas of Cameroon. Using the Taro Yamane formula, a sample size of 399 respondents was determined, out of which 380 responses were received and validated. The study used a multistage sampling method in which purposive, stratified, and random sampling were used to ensure representativeness. Data were gathered with the aid of a structured questionnaire, which was designed on a four-point Likert scale (Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, and Strongly Disagree). Reliability of the instrument was confirmed using a Cronbach Alpha coefficient of 0.78, reflecting high internal consistency, whereas validity was ensured through expert review. Data were analyzed by mean, SD, and chi-square (X²) statistical methods. The analysis showed that the sociocultural beliefs have a significant impact on the use of oral contraceptives among the women (X² = 47.47, df = 1, p = 0.000). Findings further indicated that traditional norms, religious doctrines, less education, and male dominance have a negative impact on uptake of contraceptives, whereas community sensitization, women's education, and male involvement can help overcome the barriers to contraceptive uptake. The study recommended that the government and health agencies should further intensify community-based sensitization programs, incorporate reproductive health education into rural development programs, engage religious and traditional leaders in the advocacy, and encourage male participation to promote the acceptance of contraceptives by rural women in Cameroon.