Prevalence, and Pattern of LARC Use in Immediate Postpartum Period at Jimma University Medical Center, Ethiopia [18F

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Postpartum family planning (PPFP) is defined as the prevention of unintended pregnancy and closely spaced pregnancies through the first twelve months following childbirth. Immediate postpartum period is particularly favorable time to provide LARC methods and postpartum provision of LARC is safe and effective. Despite the advantages of LARCs, they are infrequently used in Ethiopia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 393 women who gave birth at Jimma University Medical Centre (JUMC) from November 12, 2016 to January 21, 2017. Data were collected by face-to-face interview and record review using pre-tested questionnaire and analysed using SPSS 20. Logistic regression was used to identify associated factors for LARC method use. RESULTS: Prevalence of LARCs use among immediate postpartum mothers was 53.2% and more than three quarter (78.0%) of participants used Implanon. The most common reported reasons for not using LARC were preference of other method (25.5%). Having more than four alive kids (95% CI: 1.15-5.95), high monthly income (95% CI: 1.08-7.20), planning to delay next pregnancy by more than two years (95% CI: 1.60-9.28), previous experience of LARC use (95% CI: 1.30- 7.20), completed family size (95% CI:1.12- 3.15), and most importantly receiving counselling during antenatal care (ANC) follow up and before delivery (95% CI 1.01- 4.73) were associated with immediate postpartum LARC use. CONCLUSION: Utilisation of immediate postpartum LARC methods use among counselled mothers was high compared to other low income countries reviewed. The need for providing counselling during ANC follow up and delivery to increase utilisation of immediate postpartum LARC use is emphasised.