Knowledge of Postpartum Women About Modern Contraceptive Methods and Attitudes Towards its Utilization in Debre Tabor Town, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: The postpartum period is a crucial time to prevent short inter-pregnancy interval and unwanted pregnancies. Despite it is the most ideal period to create awareness regarding knowledge and attitudes of postpartum mothers about contraceptive methods, it is the most neglected part of the continuum of care. Therefore, this study aimed to assess knowledge of postpartum women about modern contraceptive methods and attitudes towards its utilization in Debre Tabor town, northwest Ethiopia, 2018.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 552 postpartum mothers at Debre Tabor town from September 20 to October 20, 2018. A cluster sampling technique was used to select the study participants. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were entered into Epi info version 7 and analyzed by SPSS version 20 software. Multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify associated factors. Results: The overall prevalence of good knowledge and favorable attitude towards modern contraceptive methods was 57.6% (95% CI: 53.3%, 61.6%) and 40.6% (95% CI: 36.8, 44.6) respectively. Higher education [AOR: 2.15 (95% CI: 1.36, 3.4)], ever had a discussion with their husband about contraception [AOR: 2.15 (95% CI: 1.48, 3.14)] and ever used modern contraceptive methods [AOR: 1.87 (95% CI: 1.15, 3.03)] were found to be significantly associated with good knowledge of postpartum modern contraceptive methods. Besides, maternal age of 25-34-year-old (AOR= 0.42; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.65), having prior information about contraceptive methods (AOR= 1.73; 95% CI: 1.19, 2.53) and good knowledge of postpartum modern contraceptive methods were associated with the attitude of mothers towards modern contraceptive methods.Conclusion: More than half of the respondents had good knowledge about modern contraceptive methods. But, mother’s favorable attitude towards its utilization is lower compared to other studies. Mother’s higher educational status, ever discussed about contraceptive methods with their husband, and ever used contraceptive methods were the factors significantly associated with knowledge of postpartum modern contraceptive methods. Furthermore, adequate knowledge of postpartum modern contraceptive methods, age group of 25-34 years old and having prior information about contraceptive methods were the factors that significantly associated with the attitude of women.