Intention to use Long-acting and Permanent Family Planning Methods among Married 15-49 years Women in Debremarkos Town, Northwest Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: Access to high quality modern contraceptives and women’s education are the two central issues in the Ethiopian government development strategy. Demand, access and use of the provider-dependent, long-acting and permanent contraceptive methods, have lagged behind, despite high effectiveness and popularity among users. Thus, this study assessed the intention and factors associated with long-acting and permanent family planning methods among married 15-45 years women in Debre markos town to look at the local context. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the intention and factors associated with long-acting and permanent family planning methods in June 2013. The total sample size was 343 and samples were allotted proportionally for randomly selected three kebeles. Data were collected after ethical clearance had been obtained from research and publication directorate of Debre markos University and analysed descriptively and using logistic regression analyses. Results: Almost one in five 157 (45.9%) married 15-49 years women intended to use long-acting and permanent family planning either to space or limit birth. Lack of method mix was considered as the main reason not to intend the methods. Age, educational status, discussion on family planning methods with husband, desire for live children, ever and current use of any modern contraceptive methods and shifting from one method to the other were factors associated with intention to use long-acting family planning methods. Conclusion: Generally, long-acting and permanent methods intention was found to be high among married women either to space or limit their pregnancy. Health promotion activities on the benefits of long-acting and permanent family planning must be undertaken to increase women’s awareness towards the methods.