Family Medicine & Medical Science Research
Open Access

Abstract

Intention to Use Long Acting and Permanent Contraceptives Methods and Associated Factors among Family Planning Clients in West Ethiopia

Gemechis Hambissa, Lelisa Sena, Desta Hiko and Hailu Merga

Background: Long acting and permanent methods (LAPMs) of family planning (FP) are essentially important to achieve health related goals, and to meet individuals and couple’s needs. Worldwide, an estimated 80 million (38.1%) of all pregnancies are unintended and 33 million of these are due to ineffective use of a contraceptives. An increase in the use of LAPMs can reduce unintended pregnancies and the incidence of abortion. But, utilization of LAPMs is very low. Yet, the level and barriers to the use of LAPMs are not well explored in the study area. Therefore, this study was to assess intention to use LAPMs and associated factors among FP clients in Nekemte Town.

Methods: Health facility based cross-sectional study was conducted on randomly selected 388 subjects in March 2015. The sample subjects were selected from all health facilities providing FP services considering proportional to sample size. Data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, entered to Epi Data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 21. Multivariable logistic regression using step-wise selection method was done to identify predictors of intention to use LAPMs at P value <0.05. Qualitative data were translated, transcribed and presented in narration to supplement the quantitative study.

Results: The prevalence of intention to use LAPMs was 52.2%. Intention to use LAPMs was higher among respondents who had supportive attitude (AOR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.3, 3.4) and increases with literacy level, where it was more than two times, five times and seven times higher among those who attended primary (AOR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.2, 5.8), secondary (AOR: 5.2; 95% CI: 2.2, 12.6) and higher education (AOR=7.6; 95% CI: 2.9-19.7) compared to noneducated ones, respectively. It was also higher among mothers who had no myths and misconception on LAPMs (AOR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.2, 3.6) and who had not perceived IUCD and/or implants negatively (AOR: 2.0; 95% CI: 1.2, 3.5). Those mothers who did not have functional television had lower intention of using LAPMs (AOR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.32, 0.96).

Conclusion: The prevalence of intention to use LAPMs was low, presence of myths and misconception, lack of education, unfavorable attitude and lack of functional television adversely affected intention to use LAPMs. Social and behavioral change communication should address factors that hinder intention to use LAPMs.