Utilization and associated factors for long-acting reversible contraceptive methods in Gondar City, Amhara Region, Ethiopia, 2022

Abstract

Sexual and reproductive health issues associated with modern family planning methods remain a community problem in developed and developing countries due to population growth and related factors. Unmet needs for family planning leads to unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and health problems for mothers and children. The intent of this study is to determine utilization of long-acting reversible contraceptive methods and related factors in the community of Gondar City administration. A community-based cross-sectional study design was used for this study, conducted from March 1st to April 30th, 2022 in the Gondar City community. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between independent and dependent variables. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 software to identify associated variables with long-acting reversible contraceptive methods with a P-value of 0.05 at a 95% confidence level. The response rate was 90.1% (508 participants). Most of the study participants were married women (86.6%), had little knowledge (75.2%) and negative attitudes (70.5%) about long term reversible contraceptive methods. Among modern family planning practitioners, 21.7% (18.1%, 25.2%) used long-acting reversible contraceptive methods. Knowledge, age at first marriage, level of education and number of children, and abortion experience were significantly associated with the use of long-acting reversible contraceptives. The uptake of reversible long-acting contraceptives is lower than studies conducted in health care settings. The government, non-governmental organizations, working in sexual and reproductive health, shall increase community knowledge about the benefits of long-acting reversible contraceptive methods and shall promote the participation of women in formal education.