Journal of Women's Health Care
Open Access

Abstract

Postpartum Family Planning Utilization and Associated Factors among Women who Gave Birth in the Past 12 Months, Kebribeyah Town, Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia

Nigussie AT, Girma D and Tura G

Introduction: The first year after a woman has given birth is crucial period for uptake of contraceptives to prevent unintended pregnancy. However, many women do not realize that they are at risk for pregnancy during this period. Hence, the first year after birth is given less emphasis regarding contraceptive utilization and the contraceptive use by women during this period is low.
Objective: To assess postpartum contraceptive utilization and associated factors in the last 12 months in Kebribeyah town, Somali region, Eastern Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross-sectional community based survey was conducted from October, 2015. A random sample of 556 postpartum women was included in the study. Epi data version 3.1 for data entry and SPSS version 20 statistical software packages for analysis were used. Bivariate analyses were done to select candidate variables for the multivariable analyses with P-value less than 0.25 and Variables which showed significant association with the outcome variable on bivariate analysis were entered to multivariable logistic regression model to identify independent association. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% Confidence interval were used to determine the strength and presence of association. P-values of less than 0.05 were considered to declare significance.
Result: The prevalence of contraceptive utilization was found to be 67 (12.3%) among women in the postpartum period. The majority of current contraceptive users were injectables 26 (38.8%). Predictors of postpartum family planning utilization were, educational status of respondents (AOR=3.37; 95% CI: (1.029-11.033)), counseling for FP during delivery (AOR=6.8; 95% CI: (1.875-24.492)), counseling during ANC (AOR=3.9; 95% CI: (1.234-12.065)), duration of postpartum period (AOR=3.11; 95% CI: (1.01-9.67)), information about FP from health facility. (AOR=4.0; 95% CI (1.170-14.302)), Favorable attitude (AOR=19; 95% CI: (3.676-98.705)).
Conclusion: Postpartum family planning utilization by the women during postpartum period is low and requires urgent and effective response by Kebribeyah woreda health office to enhance the uptake of postpartum contraceptive in order to reduce maternal and new-born mortality and morbidity. Health service providers should provide/promote contraceptive service and counseling during PNC, ANC, delivery for postpartum women were recommended as a short term interventions.