Factors Influencing Utilization Of Modern Contraceptives Among Postpartum Mothers At Namatala Ward In Mbale District.

Abstract

Background: A report from WHO, (2013) indicates that unintended pregnancies remain a major global public health problem despite considerable advances in contraceptive technologies. It‟s estimated that 222 million postpartum women have an unmet need for modern contraception. Contraceptive use reduces pregnancy rate, the number of unintended pregnancies, associated induced abortions and the proportion of high-risk pregnancies, therefore causing a reduction in maternal mortality and improvement in maternal and child health.

Objective of the study: The main objective of the study was to establish the factors influencing utilization of modern contraceptives amongst postpartum mothers at Namatala ward in Mbale district.

Methodology: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among 368 postpartum mothers during the period of study March to April, 2021. Researcher administered questionnaire and key informant interview guide were used to collect quantitative and qualitative data respectively. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS v20 software. Chi square and logistic regression was used to determine the association and relationship between factors and modern contraceptive use.

Results:58% of mothers used modern contraceptives compared to 42% of their counterparts who used other methods. The factors influencing modern contraceptive use were knowledge of f/p methods(OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 0.01-1.85, P=0.02), spousal approval (OR: 2.0, 95% CI:0.2-9.6, P=0.04), places of receiving f/p services (OR: 4.2, 95% CI: 0.3-9.0, P=0.000).

Conclusion and Recommendations: Half of the postpartum mothers (58%) use modern contraceptives. The study recommended health education of mothers on choice of contraception, CME and training of health workers on effectively managing side effects of contraceptives.