Background
Postpartum family planning has the potential to reduce maternal and child morbidity and
mortality. A short birth interval of less than two years is associated with adverse health effects
for the mother and baby and the society as a whole. The aim of this study was to determine
postpartum contraceptive prevalence among young mothers attending child welfare clinics in
the Kwaebibirem District, Eastern Region, and explore factors that influence family planning
uptake after delivery.
Method
A clinic-based, cross-sectional study using interviewer administered structured questionnaire.
416 young postpartum mothers aged 15-24 years, with 6-18 months old babies and attending
child welfare clinics were recruited consecutively for the study. Data was analysed using
STATA 12 version. In addition to descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-squared test was used
for bivariate analysis of the socio-demographic and reproductive health factors and postpartum
contraception. Multiple logistic regressions were used to explore factors associated with
postpartum contraceptive use found to be significant at 95% confident interval and p≤ 0.05.
Results
One hundred and ninety nine (47.8%) young postpartum mothers used modern contraceptives
within 18 months after delivery. Fear of side effects (44.1%) remains the main barrier for nonuse
of modern contraceptives. Postpartum contraceptive use was significantly associated with
tertiary education (AOR=9.4, 95% CI: 1.5-60.0); formal employment (AOR=0.3, 95% CI: 0.1-
0.3); no previous history of contraceptive use (AOR=8.4, 95% CI: 4.0-18.2); non resumption
of sexual intercourse after delivery (AOR=4.7, 95% CI: 2.0-10.3); no communication among
partners about contraception (AOR= 0.1, 95% CI: 0.1-0.3).
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Conclusions
Modern contraceptive use among the young postpartum women was found to be relatively
high compared to the current national prevalence rate of 22 percent. Formal education and
spousal communication influence postpartum contraceptive use. Resumption of sexual
intercourse was negatively associated with the use of postpartum contraception. Fear of side
effects limits use.
Recommendations
There is the need to empower women through improvement in female education and encourage
discussions among couples on postpartum contraceptive use. Adequate and accurate
information on potential side effects should be provided during counseling. Family planning
providers should be empowered with skills to manage side effects when reported