Determinants of Contraceptive Use among Women of Reproductive Age Group in Surma Woreda, Southwestern Ethiopia: Cross Sectional Community Based Study

Abstract

Back ground: Modern contraceptive plays a vital role in the reduction of maternal and child morbidities and mortalities; prevention of pregnancy is an effective form of primary prevention. The link between fertility and the consequences of population growth can be stabilized by giving more emphasis on contraceptive methods at community level. In remote southern communities of Ethiopia, the contraceptive utilization is still low when compared to other districts in the region.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess determinants of contraceptive use among reproductive aged women in Surma woreda.

Methods: A cross-sectional community based study triangulated with qualitative study was conducted from April to May 2015. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select a total of 584 women participants for the quantitative study, whereas purposive sampling was employed for the qualitative study. Key-informant interview guide and pre-tested questionnaire were used for data collection. Data were entered into Epi-Info version 3.5.3 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to see the effect of predictors on the dependent variable.

Results: The current modern contraceptive prevalence rate is found to be 3.3%. Among the variables partner approval was significantly associated with modern contraceptive use (AOR=6.006; 95%CI= (1.804, 19.994). The Suri have long-standing tradition of fertility regulation i.e. the rhythm method and a culture that support child spacing.

Conclusion: There is low prevalence of modern contraceptive use while traditional contraceptive methods are widely practiced. Partner approval as well as the culture and lifestyle of the community are believed to have influenced modern contraceptive use. Hence, continuous health education on modern contraceptives, male involvement and adequate number of community based agents should be trained to reach the community.

Keywords: Contraceptive, Prevalence, determinants, Surma, Ethiopia