LONG- ACTING REVERSIBLE CONTRACEPTIVES USE AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG EXTENDED POSTPARTUM WOMEN ATTENDING PUBLIC HOSPITALS IN EAST HARARGHE ZONE, EASTERN ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Background: Long-acting reversible contraceptive is birth control that provides for at least two years.Non-use of contraception by couples during postpartum period can result in many xi unwanted pregnancies, social and economic consequences. Despite multiple impacts, limited studies are conducted on the prevalence of long- acting reversible contraceptive use and its associated factor among extended postpartum women in the study area. Objective: This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of long acting reversible contraceptive methods use and its associated factors among extended postpartum women in the public hospitals at East Hararghe zone, Eastern Ethiopia, from May 1 to 31, 2020. Methods:Institution based cross-sectional study design was used. All Public Hospitals of East Haraghe Zone were selected. A total sample size of this study was determined to be 614.Systematic random sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were collected from sytudy subjects using pretested semi-structured face to -face interview guided questionnaire. The data was entered and cleaned by Epi data (Version 3.1). Datawas analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression, to identify factor associated with long acting reversible contraceoptives methods utilization and the result is presented using the crude odds ratio, as well as Adjusted odds ratio with thecorresponding 95% confidence level. Results: The prevalence of Long-acting reversible contraceptive was 33%.Educational level of women’s (AOR=11.32, 95%CI: 4.672-27.393), Postpartum counseling (AOR=3.648, 95%CI: 1.88-7.08), prior experience of using LARC (AOR=7, 95%CI: 3.79-15.202) anddiscussion with husbands about LARC (AOR=2.75, 95%CI: 1.56-4.84) were positively associated with the use of Long-acting reversible contraceptive methods. Conclusions:Utilization of Long-acting reversible contraception among extended postpartum women in East Hararghe Zone was low. This might be related to low achievements of womens educational level and councelling. Strengthening councelling and improving women educational status are crucial steps to enhanced LARC use among extended postpartum women.