Awareness and Factors Associated with Postpartum Modern Contraceptives Use among Women of Reproductive Age in Bukombe District, Geita Region

Introduction: Pregnancies that occur during the first year postpartum are more likely to be unplanned. This leads to an increased risk of adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes. However, modern contraceptive use during this period helps to reduce unplanned pregnancies and its associated adverse outcomes. There is scant data on postpartum contraceptives in pastoral communities in Tanzania. This study aimed to assess awareness and factors associated with postpartum modern contraceptives use among women of reproductive age in Bukombe District, Geita Region. Method: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted in a predominant pastoral community of Bukombe district in Geita region in north-western Tanzania from May-June 2018. A total of 511 postpartum women who were in their first year after child birth were studied. A multistage sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 21. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent predictors of postpartum modern contraceptive use. Results: Most (97.3%) of the participants were aware about modern contraceptives. The prevalence of postpartum modern contraceptive use was 11.9%. The most frequent used contraceptive method was Implant 6.5%. Majority (75%) of women started to use the contraceptive at the first three months after delivery. Living in urban (AOR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.20 - 3.79), business women’s (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.31 - 2.28), having last born aged 3 - 4 months (AOR = 3.30, 95% CI: 1.11 - 9.85) and menses resumption (AOR = 9.23, 95% CI: 3.60 - 23.72) were associated with postpartum modern contraceptive use. Fear of side effects, poor knowledge about contraceptives, husband restrictions, distance to health facility and availability of contraceptive were the barriers for use of contraceptive use. Conclusion: We found low uptake of postpartum modern contraceptive use in this population. Numerous factors were associated with modern contraceptive use. Therefore, health communication targeting this group is warranted to improve modern contraceptive uptake.

Prevalence and Determinants of Modern Contraceptive Methods Use among Women of Reproductive Age (15 - 49 Years) in Rural Setting: A Case of Kishapu District, Shinyanga Region

Background: Modern contraceptive use among women of reproductive age (15 - 49 years) is a public health priority in Tanzania. The national prevalence remains unacceptably low as 32%. Shinyanga region is one among the regions with lowest contraceptive prevalence rate (21%) and high unmet need for family planning (23%). Understanding factors contributing to its use may help to improve maternal and child health. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and determinants of modern contraceptive use among women of reproductive age. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Kishapu district of Shinyanga region: A total of 602 women aged 15 - 49 years were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals for factors associated with use of modern contraceptives were estimated in multivariable logistic regression models. Results: The prevalence of modern contraceptive use was 42.7%. Being employed (OR 2.42, 95% CI: 1.13 - 5.18), formal educational level (OR 2.45, 95% CI: 1.38 - 4.35), couples communication (OR 2.44, 95% CI: 1.74 - 3.42) and availability of modern contraceptives (OR 1.94, 95% CI: 1.17 - 3.20) were significantly associated with current use of modern contraceptives. Husband disapproval was frequently reported as barrier for modern contraceptives in the study area. Conclusions: Numerous factors were associated with use of modern contraceptives. Husband disapproval was frequently reported as barrier for contraceptive use. Strategies to promote the importance of modern contraceptives use in the study area are warranted. District health office and concerned stakeholders should encourage male involvement for family planning.