Family Medicine & Medical Science Research
Open Access

Abstract

Time to Use Modern Contraceptives and Associated Factors among Women in Extended Postpartum Period in Gondar City, Northwest Ethiopia

Mekonnen BD, Gelagay AA and Lakew AM

Introduction: Delayed in the use of contraceptives following childbirth pose women at risk of pregnancy, which can lead to unintended pregnancy and short birth intervals. There are little evidences on timetouse modern contraceptives following childbirth. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate the time to use modern contraceptive and associated factors among women in extended postpartum period in Gondar town, northwest Ethiopia.

Methods: Institutional based cross sectional study was conducted from November, 2017 to October, 2018 in eight health institutions among postpartum women who came for infant measles immunization in Gondar town, northwest Ethiopia. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 427 study participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Kaplan–Meier survival curve was used to describe the time-to-use contraceptive. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine factors associated with time-to-contraceptive use.

Results: A total of 421 women were participated in this study. The median time to use modern contraceptive among women during the extended postpartum period was 6 (IQR: 5, 7) months. History of abortion (AHR=0.44, 95% CI: 0.25, 0.79), sexual resumption (AHR=3.29, (95% CI: 1.35, 8.03), menses resumption (AHR=1.46, 95% CI: (1.11, 1.92), getting family planning counseling during antenatal care (AHR=1.34, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.78) and husband approval (AHR=1.89, 95% CI:1.21, 2.96) were factors associated with time to contraceptive use in the extended postpartum period.

Conclusion: The time to modern contraceptive use during the extended postpartum period was delayed. Sexual and reproductive characteristics of postpartum women and male involvement in family planning were statistically significant predictors for timely use of modern contraceptive use. It is good to initiate contraceptive use before the return of menses.

Published Date: 2020-02-17; Received Date: 2020-01-24