Intention to Use Postpartum Contraceptive and Its Determinants in Sub-Saharan Africa: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: The postpartum period is a critical moment for the delivery of family planning services. However, the utilization of family planning among women in sub-Saharan Africa is not optimal. Therefore, the current study aims to assess the intention to use postpartum contraception and its related determinants in the sub-Saharan African setting.

Methods: This study utilized a comprehensive search strategy that involved searching several databases, including PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and online research institutional repository homes. Data extraction was performed using Microsoft Excel, and statistical analysis was conducted using STATA software (version 14). To assess publication bias, a forest plot, Begg's rank test, and Egger's regression test were employed. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I² statistic, and an overall estimated analysis was conducted. In addition, sensitivity analysis was performed to examine the impact of each study on the overall estimate. Meta-regression analysis was conducted to identify potential sources of heterogeneity. Finally, the pooled odds ratio (OR) for associated factors was calculated.

Result: After reviewing 1,321 articles, 14 studies were deemed eligible for inclusion in this meta-analysis. The final analysis comprised a total of 39,936 study participants. The overall intention to use postpartum contraception in sub-Saharan Africa was found to be 62.21% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 55.532-68.875). In subgroup analysis, the highest prevalence of intention was observed in Ethiopia (66.71%; 95% CI: 50.36-83.05), while the lowest prevalence was reported in Ghana (59.39%; 95% CI: 50.22-68.57). The intention to use contraception was found to be 67.22% (95% CI: 62.37-72.07) and 54.53% (95% CI: 46.61-62.45) for institutional and community-based studies, respectively. Maternal educational status (OR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.09-1.38) and husbands' approval of contraceptive use (OR = 2.395; 95% CI: 1.256-4.567) were identified as predictors of intention to use postpartum contraception.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the results of our study show a comparatively low intention toward the use of postpartum contraception, in contrast to findings reported in other countries. As such, we recommend that stakeholders prioritize maternal education and encourage male partner involvement in family planning decisions.