Factors associated with the utilization of long-acting reversible contraceptives among family planning clients at the Pameungpeuk Rural Hospital, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Uncontrolled population development can prompt an assortment of populace issues and can be one of the reasons for increasing maternal death rates. The utilization of contraceptives in Indonesia was progressively dominated by injectable contraceptives and pill contraceptives in 2015 (52.21% and 24.36%, respectively). However, the rate of termination of the use of short-acting contraceptives by family planning clients was higher than other methods, therefore the use of short-acting contraceptive is not effective enough for use. In anticipating the decreased use of short-acting contraceptives while also seeking to control population growth, the National Family Planning Program in Indonesia is encouraging the use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs). Pameungpeuk is a region which has the second largest population, with the highest total fertility rate in South-West Java. The proportion of active users of LARCs in Pameungpeuk is also very low (10.66%). This study therefore aimed to analyze factors associated with the utilization of LARCs among family planning clients at the Pameungpeuk Rural Hospital. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design with systematic random sampling. The sample group in this study was 84 family planning clients. We performed statistical analyses using a chi-square test. Results: We found significant associations between the age of women (p=0.024), the cost of contraception (p=0.022), knowledge (p=0.042), beliefs (p=0.002), skill of health workers (p=0.008) and support from health workers (p=0.014). However, education (p=0.212), family income (p=0.087), attitude (p=0.593), exposure to information on LARCs (p=0.378), support from partners (p=0.094), support from friends (p=0.414) and the support of community leaders (p=0.367) had no significant association with the utilization of LARCs. Conclusions: These findings highlight a critical need for improved education among family planning clients at the Pameungpeuk rural hospital regarding the use of LARCs for both medical and elective reasons.