Intention to use immediate-postpartum long-acting reversible contraceptives and associated factors among pregnant women in third-trimester at Arba Minch town, South-Ethiopia, 2024; Using Theory of Planned Behaviour

Abstract

Background: Ethiopia has made significant strides in reducing unintended pregnancies and empowering individuals to manage their family size through the national reproductive health strategy. This strategy has decentralized services to provide a comprehensive range of family planning options, ensuring quality. However, the intention to use and actual utilisation of immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraceptives is still low, contributing the least to the contraceptive mix. Hence this study aims to assess the prevalence and factors associated with the intention to use immediate-postpartum long-acting reversible contraceptives among third-trimester pregnant women in Arba Minch town, South Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 6 July to 2 August 2024. A total of 373 third-trimester pregnant women were includedin the study using a simple random sampling method. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire developed based on a qualitative elicitation study. And analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 27. Multiple linear regression was employed, variables with a p-value of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. The strength of the associations was estimated using beta coefficient and their 95% confidence interval. Result: The prevalence of the intention was found to be 35.6%. Direct attitude (β=0.286, p=0.012), direct subjective norm (β=0.182, p<0.001), direct perceived behavioural control (β=0.504, p<0.001), history of long-acting reversible contraceptive use (β=-1.765, p=0.029) and age of women (β=0.098, p=0.019) were significantly associated factors. Conclusion: Local health authorities should prioritise addressing beliefs behind the constructs through targeted social and behavioural change communication campaigns and capacity building of healthcare professionals to improve intention to use of these contraceptives. Non governmental organisations working in maternal and child health are encouraged todevelop culturally applicable educational materials targeting the beliefs identified and advocate benefits of using these methods.