Author(s): Eshete A
Background: Ethiopia is one of the most notable family planning success stories in sub-Sahara Africa. In last fifteen year, there is a fivefold increase in the use contraceptive method. Much of this increase is attributable to the increase in the use of short term methods. This study was to assess the contraceptive method mix, utilization and factors associated with contraceptive use. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted among married women aged 15-49 years in the Gedeo zone in 2015. Multistage sampling technique was used to select a total of 1056 study participants. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was used for gathering data. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.0 statistical package to identify factors associated with contraceptive use. Results: Current contraceptive use among the study subjects was 395 (74.8%) among urban and 339 (64.2%) among rural women. Urban women were two times more likely to use contraceptive methods [OR 2.23, 95% CI (1.55, 3.21)] compared with rural women. The overall current prevalence of contraception was 734 (69.5%). The most preferred method among short term contraceptive method was injectable 433 (57.0%) followed by pills 62 (8.2%), whereas among long acting and permanent contraceptive methods, implants, 201 (26.1%) and intrauterine devices (IUD), 50 (6.6%) were the most preferable methods. The result of multiple logistic regressions revealed that participant’s residence, participants’ education, number of a live child, women’s desire to have a child, knowledge of contraceptive methods and women’s attitude toward contraceptive method were found significantly associated with contraceptive use. Conclusion: Based on the study finding the contraceptive method mixe were highly dominated by short term contraceptives. Thus women’s contraception needs change during the course of their life; therefore healthcare professionals need to inform women’s about the benefits and risks of all available contraceptive methods.
