Women’s Experiences of Contraceptive Counseling for Informed Choice in Moshi Municipality, Tanzania: A Qualitative Study

Background: Tanzania’s national family planning standards mandate that healthcare providers deliver objective, comprehensive, and client-focused contraception information to enable informed choice. Despite these initiatives, evidence indicates contraceptive uptake in Tanzania is low (38%), with a growing rate of discontinuation at 34%. Therefore, this study aimed to explore women’s experiences of contraceptive counseling, with a particular focus on how information provided by healthcare providers influences informed contraceptive choice in Moshi Municipality, Tanzania. Methods: Semi-structured qualitative interviews were carried out with 15 women attending family planning clinics for contraceptive counseling at the two selected public health facilities in Moshi Municipality. Purposive sampling was used. Reflexive thematic analysis described by Braun and Clarke was employed. Results: Three main themes and eight sub-themes emerged. The main themes were information and communication gaps, provider interaction and autonomy, and social networks and structural influence. The sub-themes were insufficient and unclear information; myths and misconceptions; limited visual aids and practical demonstrations; respectful and friendly services; time given by the provider; provider-led choice, influence by peer stories and fear; and accessibility of the services and environment. Participants experienced limited discussion of available contraceptive methods and limited use of visual aids for thorough explanation to enable women to make an informed choice and consistent use of contraceptive methods. Conclusions: The findings highlight that women’s experiences with contraceptive counseling for informed contraceptive choice are diverse, including both positive and negative aspects. Respectful and friendly approaches and a supportive service environment are important; however, they are insufficient on their own to ensure informed contraceptive choice. Quality information from the healthcare provider that is clear, complete, accurate, and comprehensive is central to the counseling process. The integration of these factors is essential to empower women to make informed contraceptive choices that align with their reproductive intentions.