Practice and Intention to Use Long Acting and Permanent Contraceptive Methods among Married Women of Reproductive Age in North West Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Globally, large disparities exist on utilization and access to the most effective contraceptive methods and women continue to have unmet need and experience unintended pregnancy. Even though Long Acting and Permanent Methods (LAMPs) are the most effective, safe and convenient methods, they are the least utilized than short acting methods in most of sub Saharan Africa. Information regarding intention to use and utilization of LAMPs and its associated factors in the study area were lacking. Methods: Community based cross sectional study was conducted in Debre Markos town, April, 2012. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select study subjects and data was collected through face to face interview. To determine associated factors Bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were used. Results: From 519 respondents 62.2% were currently using modern FP methods in which only 101 (19.5%) were using LAPMs. Two hundred thirty eight (45.9%) of women have intention to utilize LAPMs of contraception in the future. Being older age (35-49 years) (AOR= 3.81), having ever discussed about LAPMs with health care provider (AOR=6.20), spousal discussion about Family Planning (AOR=2.31) and having perception of their husband approves use of LAPMs (AOR=4.62), were significantly associated with utilization of LAPMs. Having Knowledge of LAPMs (AOR=4.42), currently using LAPMs (AOR=2.19), spousal discussion about Family Planning (AOR=1.78), and having perception that their spouse approves using LAPMs (AOR=2.27), were factors associated with having intention to use LAPMs in the future. Conclusion: Majority of women knows at least one method of LAPMs, but permanent methods were the least known methods. The overall practices of LAPMs were relatively higher compared with other previous studies in the country. Therefore, it is better to address barriers to utilization and strengthening their knowledge and spousal discussion about family planning methods specifically LAPMs through mass media, health education and FP counseling.