INTENTIONTOUSEIMMEDIATE-POSTPARTUMLONG-ACTING REVERSIBLECONTRACEPTIVESANDASSOCIATEDFACTORS AMONGPREGNANTWOMENINTHIRD-TRIMESTERAT

Abstract

Background: Ethiopia has made significant strides in reducing unintended pregnancies and empowering individuals to manage their family size through the national reproductive health strategy. This strategy has decentralized services to provide a comprehensive range of family planning options, ensuring safety and quality. However, the intention to use and actual utilisation of immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraceptives is notably low, contributing the least to the contraceptive mix. Objective: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with the intention to use immediate-postpartum long-acting reversible contraceptives among third-trimester pregnant women in Arba Minch town, South Ethiopia. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 6 July to 2 August 2024. A total of 373 third-trimester pregnant women were included in the study using a simple random sampling method. Data were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire developed based on a qualitative elicitation study. And analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 27. Multiple linear regression was employed, variables with a p-value of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. The strength of the associations was estimated using beta coefficients and their 95% confidence intervals. Result: The prevalence of the intention to use was found to be 35.6%. Direct attitude (β=0.286, p=0.012), direct subjective norm (β=0.182, p<0.001), direct perceived behavioural control (β=0.504, p<0.001), history of long-acting reversible contraceptive use (β=-1.765, p=0.029) and age of women (β=0.098, p=0.019) were significantly associated with intention to use long-acting reversible contraceptive methods within 48 hours of giving birth. Conclusion and recommendation: Local health authorities, should prioritise addressing beliefs behind the constructs through targeted social and behavioural change communication campaigns and capacity building of healthcare professionals to improve intention to use of these contraceptives. Non governmental organisations working in maternal and child health are encouraged to develop culturally appropriate educational materials targeting the beliefs identified and advocate benefits of using these methods.