Lived experience of women who underwent early removal of long-acting Contraceptive Methods in Bedesa town, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A phenomenological study

Abstract

Background Long-acting contraceptive methods can play a pivotal role in ining reducing maternal mortality. In The total fertility rate of Ethiopia is as high as 4.6 children per woman, which is manifested by short birth-interval. However, this rapid population growth is not in line with the weak economic growth of the country. Therefore, this study was done to explore the lived experiences of women who underwent early removal of long-acting contraceptive methods in Bedesa town, Southern Ethiopia. Methods A phenomenological study design was employed from April 16–22, 2020 to conduct this qualitative study among Bedessa town community. Individual In-depth interviews were used to collect data from a sampled study participants recruited through criterion sampling method. Based on the theoretical saturation of data, this study included a total of 10 in-depth interviews of sampled women.. Open code version 4.03 was used to code and facilitate analysis. The study used thematic analysis technique after the transcripts were read and re-read separately by the investigators to identify emerging themes. Results This study revealed that the majority of participants were able to mention at least three types of contraceptive methods. Participants frequently said that the side effect of the long-acting family planning methods as the main reason for early removal. Furthermore, heavy and irregular menses were mentioned as the most frequently occurring side effects. Delayed fertility after removal of long-acting contraceptive was one of frequently stated fear by the clients. Some of the participants indicated that counseling provided by health professionals was not adequate. Conclusion The majority of our study participants taught that the side effects of long-acting family planning methods outweigh than benefits. Besides, the counseling service provided by health care providers was not adequate. Therefore, proper counseling services should be given to mothers who are taking long-acting family planning methods.