Intention to Use and Factors Associated with Utilization of Long Acting and Permanent Contraceptive Methods among Married Women of Reproductive Age Group in Debre Markos Town, North West Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Globally, large disparities exist on utilization and access to the most effective methods of contraception and women continue to have unmet need and experience unintended pregnancy. Long Acting and Permanent Methods (LAMPs) are the most effective methods available and are very safe and convenient for protection against unintended pregnancy. But they are least utilized than short acting methods in most of sub Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. Information regarding intention to use and utilization of LAMPs and its associated factors in the study area were lacking.Methods: Community based quantitative descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in Debre Markos town, April, 2012. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 523 study participants and data was collected through face to face interview. To determine associated factors Bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were computed.Results: Among a total of 519 respondents, 423 (81.5%) of them knows at least one methods of LAPMs. Overall 323 (62.2%) were currently using modern FP methods in which 101 (19.5%) were using LAPMs. Two hundred thirty eight (45.9%) of women had intention to use one of the LAPMs of contraception in the future. Being older age (35-49 years) (AOR= 3.81), having ever discussed about LAPMs with health care provider (AOR=6.20), spousal discussion about Family Planning (AOR=2.31) and having perception of their husband approves use of LAPMs (AOR=4.62), were significantly associated with utilization of LAPMs. Having Knowledge of LAPMs (AOR=4.42), currently using LAPMs (AOR=2.19), spousal discussion about Family Planning (AOR=1.78), and having perception that their spouse approves using LAPMs (AOR=2.27), were factors associated with having intention to use LAPMs in the future.Conclusion: Majority of women knows at least one method of LAPMs, but permanent methods were the least known methods. The overall practices of LAPMs were relatively higher compared with other previous studies in the country. Therefore, it is better to address barriers to utilization and strengthening their knowledge and spousal discussion about family planning methods specifically LAPMs through mass media, health education and FP counseling.

Keywords: Intention to use, Utilization, Long acting and permanent methods