Abstract:
Contraceptive method switching refers to changing contraceptive methods from one to another.
These put them at risk of unintended pregnancies. As switching become significant public health
importance, there waslittle evidences in Ethiopia. In order to understood magnitude and what
drives long acting reversible method switching to less effective methods, this study need to be
conducted in the study area. A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 484
women of reproductive age (15-49) in Shone Town, Hadiyya, SNNPR, Ethiopia, from March 1-
30, 2019. The sampling frame was prepared by taking code from family planning register books.
Systematic random sampling was used to select study participants. Data was collected by semi structured interviewer administered questionnaire and entered using Epidata version 3.5.1, and
analysized by SPSS version 24. It was summarized by using frequencies and odds ratios with
95% confidence intervals (CI). Binary logistic regression was used to identify associated factors.
Long-acting contraceptive method switching was 38.1%; switching from IUCD andimplant was
11.8 % and 26.1 % respectively. Women who had low knowledge towards long acting reversible
contraceptives [AOR=2.47; 95% CI: 1.36-4.47], less than or equal to two children and 3-4
children [AOR=2.35; 95% CI: 1.32-4.19] and [AOR=2.18; 95% CI: 1.15-4.15], respectively
were significantly associated with switching from LARCs. Further, Age of women 15-19 years
and 25-29 years were [AOR =3.41; 95% CI: 1.28-9.08] and [AOR =5.08; 95% CI: 2.81-9.18],
respectively, and women who had first information from Health care provider [AOR =1.82; 95%
CI: 1.12-2.96] were significantly associated with switching. Method switching from long-acting
reversible contraceptives to less effective methods was high. At the beginning of use, health
professionals must give adequate and clear information regarding the method, side effects and
its management, when to come health facility for follow up. In addition, husband/partner
involvement was very crucial joint decision. Finally, family planning programme cascading
health facilities, and responsible stakeholders should focus on maintaining sustainability of the
current users alongside with provision of access and quality family planning services
