Modern contraceptive utilization and associated factors among postpartum women, Sude District, Arsi Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Gemeda Mohammed Sultan , Feyissa Gemechu Dereje , G/tsadik Daniel , Mandefro Endashaw , Lemi Hunde , Dereje Mokonnen , Belihu Seble 
Published: February 2025

Background: Maternal health problems remain a major global concern since pregnancy and childbirth are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among reproductive- age women who have recently given birth and are among the group with the highest unmet need for contraception. After a woman has given birth, she should stay for at least two years before the next pregnancy to reduce the risk of adverse maternal, pre-natal, and infant outcomes. However, postpartum modern contraceptive utilization was not studied in the study area.
Objectives: It aimed to assess the postpartum modern contraceptive utilization and associated factors among women who gave birth at health facilities in Sude district, Arsi Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia, 2023.
Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from February 30 to April 30, 2023. The study participants were selected by systematic random sampling. An interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data. After checking for its completeness, the data were entered, checked for missing values and outliers by Epi-info Version 7.2, and then exported to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 for analysis. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics to characterize the study participants. Binary logistic regression analysis was undertaken to identify factors associated with postpartum modern contraceptive utilization. Variables with p-value < 0.25 in bivariate analysis were considered for multiple logistic regression. Variables with a p-value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. An adjusted odds ratio (AOR) along with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was calculated to estimate the magnitude of associations.
Results: Out of 419 planned, 417 participated with a response rate of 99.5%. This study revealed that 57.6% [95% CI: (52.9, 62.4)] of postpartum women utilized modern contraceptives. Among the utilizers, injectables (50.8%), implants (39.2%), and pills (10%) were used. Having > 4 children [AOR = 2.02, 95% CI: (1.09, 3.77)], ≤ 2 hours far away from home to the health facility [AOR = 2.54, 95% CI: (1.49, 4.34)], between 6 to 12 months of postpartum period [AOR = 3.41, 95% CI: (1.89, 6.15)], resumption of menses [AOR = 8.24, 95% CI: (4.64, 14.64)], para 2-4 [AOR = 3.10, 95% CI: (1.53, 6.29)], and discussing postpartum family planning with a partner [AOR = 2.96, 95% CI: (1.72, 5.09)] were significantly associated with postpartum modern contraceptive utilization.
Conclusion: Postpartum modern contraceptive use was low as compared to other studies. The factors associated with postpartum modern contraceptive use were: the number of children, distance from home to health facility, postpartum period, parity, and menses returning since birth, and discussing postpartum family planning with a partner. Healthcare providers should give health information about timely contraceptive usage, fortify the integration of modern contraceptive services with maternal and child health services, and encourage postpartum family planning discussions among couples.