Background: Poor contraceptive utilization increases the risk of unintended pregnancies that could results in complications and mortalities among women and children. To circumvent these adverse health outcomes, long-acting and permanent contraceptive methods are the most effective methods. This study explored the magnitude and associated factors of long-acting and permanent family planning methods utilization among current family planning users largely on the rural women of Ethiopia.
Methods: The study was a facility-based cross-sectional study design. The respondents were randomly selected in Amhara region, Ethiopia. The data were entered into EPI-INFO version 7.0, cleaned, and analyzed in SPSS version 24. Descriptive statistics were done. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify the factors associated with the utilization of long-acting and permanent family planning methods.
Results: The total numbers of respondents were 356. The prevalence of long-acting and permanent family planning methods among current family planning users was 32.3%. The mean age of participants was 30.1±7.67 (SD) years. Almost all (94.4%) were Orthodox Christian followers and most of the respondents (91.0%) married. Nearly half of the respondents (45.2%) were illiterate and above half of the respondents (55.3%) were housewives. The odds of long-acting and permanent family planning methods utilization were statistically significant among women aged 25-34 years [AOR=5.10; 95% CI: (1.48, 17.59)], women who completed secondary education [AOR=4.16; 95% CI: (1.32, 13.10)], women who had a positive attitude [AOR=3.05; 95% CI: (1.45, 6.43)], and women satisfied with facility care [AOR=2.08; 95% CI: (1.01, 4.31)]. Common reasons for low use of long-acting and permanent family planning methods were preference for short-acting contraceptives, fear of side effects, and method misconception.
Conclusion: The utilization of long-acting and permanent family planning method was low. Factors and common reasons for low utilization of long-acting and permanent family planning methods among women who were current family planning users were identified. Therefore, we suggest the need to provide continuous education and awareness creation towards long-acting and permanent family planning methods. Unequivocally, enabling work environments, staff service deliveries and client service satisfaction are paramount important improve the coverage.