Utilization and Associated Factors of Modern Contraceptives During Extended Postpartum Period among Women Who Gave Birth in the Last 12 Months in Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia

Background: The postpartum period is a critical period for addressing widespread unmet needs in family planning and for reducing the risks of closely spaced pregnancies. However, many women do not realize that they are at risk for pregnancy during this period. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess utilization and associated factors of modern contraceptives during extended post-partum period.

Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April, 2015 in six health institutions among women who gave birth in the last 12 months prior to the study period in Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to identify the determinants of postpartum modern contraceptive use. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated, and p-values <0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance.

Result: Of the total 404 participants, 45.8% mothers used modern contraceptives during postpartum period. Injectable contraceptive was the most frequently used method. Menstruating [AOR =3.84, 95% CI: (2.33, 6.35)], resumption of sex [AOR= 3.17, 95% CI: (1.80, 5.58)], 37-51 weeks of postpartum period [AOR= 2.48, 95% CI: (1.11, 5.55)], husband approval of contraceptive [AOR= 2.10, 95% CI: (1.16, 3.82)] and current knowledge on FP [AOR= 5.01, 95% CI: (2.23, 11.24)] were factors affecting contraceptive use in postpartum period.

Conclusion: Utilization of modern contraceptive during the postpartum period was significantly decreased placing women at risk for a pregnancy in the extended postpartum period. Menstruating, resumption of sex, variation on postpartum period and husband approval of contraceptive were factors associated with contraceptive use. Strengthening FP counseling service at the ANC clinic and postnatal care would improve contraceptive use during the postpartum period.