Abstract:
Background: Postpartum contraception is the initiation and use of family planning services
within the first 12 months following childbirth to prevent narrowly spaced and unintended
pregnancies. With low postpartum family planning utilization, unmet need for post-partum
family planning among post-partum women remained high. Therefore, this study aimed to
assess utilization of postpartum modern family planning and to identify factors associated
with family planning use within six weeks of delivery.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conduct in Efrata Gidim district
from June 8 to Juley 9, 2022. A total of 366 postpartum enrolled in the study. Simple random
sampling technique employed to select the study kebeles. A systematic random sampling
technique was used to select study participants. Data was collected through a face-to-face
interview with a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis was done and
results were presented in texts, tables and figures. Both bivariate and multivariable analysis
were employed. Variables observed in a bivariate logistic regression analysis at p-value <
0.25 were candidate for multivariable analysis. In multivariable analysis, variables with p <
0.05 and Adjusted OR with 95% CI was used to declare statistically significant associated
factors and their strength.
Result: The utilization of postpartum modern family planning within six weeks of deliver
found to be 90 (24.6%). Rural residence (AOR: 0.229; 95% CI: 0.09-0.58), Women‟s
husband with formal education (AOR: 4.29; 95% CI: 1.45-12.69), number of pregnancy
more than two (AOR: 4.63; 95% CI: 1.65-12.93), returned menses (AOR: 3.87; 95% CI;
1.51-9.91), resumed sexual intercourse (AOR: 3.12; 95% CI: 1.18-8.26). Similarly, received
postpartum family planning counselling (AOR: 2.64; 95% CI: 1.02-6.79), good knowledge
on FP (AOR: 5.81 (2.06-16.36) and favorable attitudes towards FP (AOR: 2.49; 95% CI :(
1.02-6.09) were the factors associated with utilization of postpartum family planning.
Conclusion: In the study area only one out of four postpartum women were utilized any
modern family planning within six weeks of delivery. Therefore, promoting partner
education, strengthening post-partum family planning counseling, family planning education
and community awareness about FP to develop good knowledge and favorable attitude
towards FP would improve utilization of postpartum family planning in the postpartum
period.
