Determinants of Modern Contraceptive Uptake among the Youth in Akuse Township in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality, Ghana

Background: Access to safe and effective contraception is crucial for sexual and reproductive health to be at its best. This allows improved pregnancy results and the avoidance of unintended births. Teenagers’ views on using contraceptives are influenced by the information available at their disposal. The study assessed the influential factors affecting the utilization of modern contraceptives among the youth in Akuse in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Methods: The data for the study were gathered from 378 consented youth aged 15 - 24 years using a quantitative cross-sectional study design and a well-structured questionnaire. Person’s Chi-Square test was adopted to measure the association between the outcome variable and selected independent variables. Logistic regression models were utilized to measure the odds of the factors influencing modern contraceptive use among the respondents. Results: The results of the study suggested a high knowledge level of contraceptives;however, the prevalence of utilization was low. The level of education and age were factors found to influence the uptake of contraceptives. A bivariate analysis to examine the association between selected socio-demographic variables revealed that educational level (p = 0.044), religious affiliation (p = 0.002), and ethnicity (p = 0.016) were statistically associated with modern contraceptive use among the respondents. All other tested demographic variables including the age groups, gender, marital status, and residential status proved otherwise at the observed p-values greater than the 0.05 threshold. Respondents who indicated staying with partners were 6.79 times more likely to use contraceptives compared to their counterparts staying with a parent, after controlling for all other covariates. Conclusions: Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that high contraceptive knowledge influences the choice of contraceptive preferred by the youth, and contraceptive use is also influenced by the advancement in age and educational level of the youth. It is however recommended that parents, guidance, and teachers be entreated to offer relevant and timely sexual information or education as these will most likely improve the uptake of modern contraceptives among the targeted population.

Measuring Cognitive and Psychosocial Accessibility to Modern Contraception: A Comprehensive Framework

Nowadays, more than ever, the improvement of access to family planning (FP) has become an international goal. What constitutes access to FP? Current human rights-based contraceptive guidelines indicate that access begins as soon as women or couples express a desire to avoid pregnancy and their risk of unintended pregnancy is established. However, few studies have sought to define and measure cognitive and psychosocial access to contraception. To propose a comprehensive framework for the cognitive and psychosocial accessibility of contraception, we critically analyzed the literature on attitudes toward FP. The main dimensions that emerged were knowledge about FP, fear of side effects, approval of contraception, and contraceptive agency. We then identified and adjusted some questions that can capture these dimensions more comprehensively. As a result, we developed a questionnaire module comprising 15 questions, which was integrated into the 6th round of the PMA2020 survey in Burkina Faso in 2019. This research highlighted that previous studies have collected separate dimensions of contraceptive access, and the psychosocial dimension tended to be neglected. Our results demonstrate that it is possible to collect comprehensive data on cognitive and psychosocial dimensions of access to family planning.

Barriers to Utilization of Modern Contraceptive Methods Used by Females Aged 15 - 24 Years: A Case Study of Moyo District in Uganda

Background: Modern contraceptives are medical procedures that interfere with reproduction or acts of sexual intercourse. Moyo district contraceptive prevalence used by females aged 15 - 24 years is 6.03%, which is far from the national target. The low contraceptive use among this age group results in high school drops, unwanted pregnancy, early child marriage, and community disputes. Purpose: To evaluate barriers associated with the utilization of modern contraceptive methods used by females aged 15 - 24 years in Moyo district in Uganda. Methods: A cross-sectional design with mixed methods of quantitative and qualitative approaches was used. The reason for using a cross-sectional design is to measure the exposure and outcome variables at the same time. It’s relatively quick and inexpensive, and findings can be used to create an in-depth research study. Multistage sampling was used to draw 423 participants for quantitative and 23 participants were purposively selected for Qualitative study based on knowledge and experience, the results were analyzed using SPSS Version 20 and open code software and presented in the form of tables, pie charts, graphs, descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The findings indicated marital status OR 3.193, P-Value 0.000 and CI (2.002 - 5.091), Family/Community influence OR 1.644, P-Value 0.019 and CI (1.084 - 2.493) and Cultural influence OR 2.004, P-Value 0.006 and CI (1.218 - 3.298) tend to be associated with using contraceptives. Desire for children OR 0.459, P-Value 0.002 and CI (0.279 - 0.756) and long waiting time OR 0.442, P-Value 0.003 and CI (0.258 - 0.756) tend to be not associated with the use of modern contraceptives. The findings of this study have shown both individual and socio-cultural factors contribute to the low utilization of modern contraceptives among females aged 15 - 24 years, and these need to be addressed with the involvement of different stakeholders.

Female Contraception: Comparative Study of Biometrics and Vascularization of the Uterus at Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital (Togo)

Female contraception uses both hormonal and non-hormonal methods. The aim of the study is to determine the impact of female contraception on uterine vascularisation and the endometrium. Method: It was a descriptive comparative study with an analytical aim. It took place at the University Clinic of Obstetrics Gynaecology and the Radiology and Medical imaging Department of Sylvanus Olympio University Hospital in Lomé over a two-month period from May 15, 2023 to July 15, 2023. Group 1 included women using a modern contraceptive method and group 2 women not using a modern contraceptive method. Epidata 3.1 and R 4.0.4 software were used to process the data. Results: Each group included 50 women. There were no significant differences in uterine and endometrial biometrics. All women on contraception had their zone 1 vascularized, without vascularisation of zone 2, without significant difference with women without contraception The pulsatility index was greater than 3 in 51% (n = 51) of women, including 62.7% (n = 32) of women without contraception and 37.3% (n = 19) of women on contraception, with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.009). Conclusion: Contraceptive methods do not influence the biometry of the uterus. However, uterine artery Doppler indices can predict abnormal uterine bleeding.

Successful Laparoscopic Management of a Migrated Intrauterine Contraceptive Device in the Pelvic Cavity: A Case Report

Background: An Intrauterine device (IUD) is a long-acting reversible contraceptive commonly used in clinical practice. Its insertion in the uterus is simple and safe. But sometimes, complications can occur. Case Report: Herein, we report a case of successful laparoscopic removal of a missing IUD Copper-T, mis-inserted in a 32-year-old woman, 4 months after she delivered by caesarian section, and presented persistent lower abdominal pain lasting 6 months. Uterine ultrasound was unremarkable, but a plain abdominopelvic X-ray confirmed the presence of the Copper-T inside the abdominal cavity. Conclusion: Insertion of IUD is simple and safe. When the diagnosis of uterine perforation following its insertion is clinically suspected and radiologically confirmed, laparoscopy, when available, remains one of the best options for removal.

The Use of Modern Contraception after Childbirth in an Urban Health Center in Bangui, CAR

Introduction: The use of modern postpartum contraception not only reduces unplanned pregnancies but also improves the well-being of mother and child. The present study aims to identify the determinants of postpartum contraceptive use in a first level health facility. Methodology: This was a 6-month cross-sectional study conducted at the Urban Health Center of Castors. Postpartum women who presented within 42 days of delivery and who had a live child were included after informed consent. Results: Of 318 women enrolled during the study period, 106 were currently using a modern contraceptive method, for a prevalence of 33.3%. The mean age of the women was 25.3 years (±3.6), with extremes of 14 and 49 years. The age group [20 to 29] was the most represented with 52.8%. More than half of the women were in couples (54.7%) and had completed secondary education (53.8%). These women were mostly students (42.5%) and primiparous or pauciparous (70.7%). The most used contraceptive method was injectables (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate) (43.4%), followed by male condoms (23.6%) and oral contraceptives (17.9%). The unmet need for contraception was 40.6%. The main reasons for non-use were the desire to have more children (41.5%), fear of side effects (34.9%) and spousal opposition (12.3%). Factors associated with contraceptive non-use were educational level, occupation and parity. Conclusions: The rate of modern contraceptive use in the postpartum period is low in the study population. Interventions to increase the use of effective contraceptive methods are needed, especially among young women.

Contraception among Women Aged 35 and over at the University Hospital Center of Brazzaville

Objective: To study contraception among women aged 35 and over at the University Hospital of Brazzaville. Population and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study, conducted from April 1st 2017 to January 31st 2022 in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the University Hospital of Brazzaville, including women aged 35 years and over who had received a contraceptive method. The study variables were sociodemographic, reproductive, clinical and contraceptive method related. Results: Two hundred and thirty customers were collected during the study period, i.e., 10.8% of the patients who received contraception. They were 38.4 ± 3 years old on average, had secondary education (46.1%), were of low socioeconomic status (54.3%), lived with a partner (98.7%) and came from an urban area (97.4%). They were multigravida (85.2%), and multiparous (63.9%) with an average of 4 living children. The indications were of two types: convenience (26.2%) and medical (73.8%). The most commonly used contraceptives were implants (72.2%) and injectable progestin (20.5%). Conclusion: The indication for contraception for women over 35 years of age at the University Hospital Center of Brazzaville is more medical, with the use of long-acting contraceptives.

CONTRACEPTIVE PREVALENCE AND USE－EFFECTIVENESS OF MARRIED WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN THE RURAL AREAS OF SHAANXI PROVINCE

In order to study women's fertility and behavior in shaanxi Province, we used PPS method to sample Weinan, Nanzheng and Yan'an counties which represent the centre, south and north of Shaanxi respectively from February to March in 1990. 3253 qualified married women of reproductive age were available. Because contraception is one of the most imPOrtant proximate determinants in inhibiting fertility, we just measured contraceptive prevalence and use-effectiveness among different subgroups in this dissertation. The results indicated that the prevalence rate of contraception was 75. 9 %, prevalence of different contraceptive methods varied widely: it was 43. 5% in IUD, 27. 7% in women'sterilization, 2. 0% in pill, 1.9% in men's sterilization, 0. 2% in condom and 0. 7 % in other methods, The average use-effectiveness of three methods was 0. 9965 for sterilization,0. 8792 for IUD and 0. 8520 for other methods and total average use-effectiveness was 0. 9251.

Contraceptive Method Choice Among Newly Married Couples and Influential Factors in Shanghai Municipality

A follow-up study with 7,826 representative newly married couples for fifteen months after their weddings in Shanghai Municipality showed that among the 3, 412 couples who actually adopted contraceptive method, rhythm was the main choice; the proportion for couples taking the contraceptive pill was much higher among sexually active couples before their weddings. The proportions of adopting rhythm or condom or the both, however, increased afterwards.About 86% of couples who had ever planned adopting the rhythm at registration actually used it. In fact, 16% of those who had ever planned to take pills eventually made this choice, because of their worry about any adverse side effects on mother's and fetus' health. Their knowledge about contraception,especially the pills, was incomprehensiue. APProximately 62% of condom users had not been given any instruction regarding its use when they got this contracoptive device one year later. Half of the pill and spermicide users learnt these respective methods from their friends or relatives. The proportion of delivering contraceptiues alter marriage by;F.P.P. was rather low. By fitting the multinomial logistic regression model, it is indicated that couple's evaluation on contraceptiue methods and contraceptiue goal were the main factors determining newlyweds' method of choice. Wife's knowledge on contraception and the accessibility of contraceptives and devices also influenced the method choice to some extent.

Male contraception:prospects for the new millennium

Effective regulation of human fertility has global consequences in terms of resource depletion, pollution and pover-ty. Current family planning services predominantly target a female clientele with few significant developments in malefertility regulation for over a century. The last two decades have witnessed a gathering interest, initially from the scien-tific community, and laterally from industry, in the development of safe, reliable, reversible methods of contraceptionfor men. This review summarises the methods of male fertility regulation which are currently available and critically ex-amines the published data on novel developments in male hormonal contraception which offer the potential of improvedcontraceptive choice for all in new millennium. (Asian J Androl 2000; 2: 3 - 12)

Trends in the Use of Reversible Modern Contraceptives in Burkina Faso between 2010 and 2015

Background: In Burkina Faso, efforts have been made between 2010 and 2015 to address the low levels of contraceptive utilization. However, the socio-cultural context in the country still reinforces traditional gender roles, low status for women, and a strong desire for larger families. The objectives of this study are twofold: 1) to analyze the trends in reversible modern contraceptive prevalence, and 2) to identify the factors influencing the use of reversible modern contraceptives, comparing the urban and rural areas. Data and Methods: We conducted an analysis using data from Burkina Faso sourced from the 2010 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and the 2015 Demographic and Health Module (DHM). The 2010 DHS received responses from 17,087 women aged 15 - 49 years, achieving a response rate of 98.4%. Similarly, the 2015 DHM garnered responses from 11,504 women aged 15 - 49 years, with a response rate of 96.6%. Results: Our findings revealed that while advancements were observed in urban areas, the majority of underprivileged women still faced limited access to modern contraception. Moreover, we did not observe any significant interaction effects between age and parity with the year of the survey. However, there was a slight decrease in the impact of marital status, although the difference between married and non-married women remained significant in 2015. It is noteworthy that family planning discussions and approval continued to play crucial roles. Conclusion: The initiatives to subsidize contraceptive costs and establish mobile clinics have proven inadequate in facilitating rural, impoverished, and young women’s access to modern contraception. Additional endeavors are required to enhance geographical accessibility to modern contraceptives by expanding the availability of supply sources, particularly in rural areas. Furthermore, providing psychosocial support has the potential to empower women in making informed contraceptive decisions and exercising greater control over their reproductive choices.

Urgent need to change clinical practices about postpartum contraception

In the United States, maternal mortality and unintended pregnancy rates are increasing. There are growing disparities in maternal health between indigent, minority women and Caucasian women of higher socioeconomic status. Family planning has long been viewed as a solution to these problems. As reliance on permanent contraception has diminished, timely access to highly effective contraceptive methods, namely long acting reversible contraceptives, which includes the contraceptive hormonal implant and intrauterine device- has become even more important. For women in the United States and abroad, the time of delivery is the one reliable opportunity for women to receive medical care. Consistently, research has shown that providing contraception in the immediate postpartum period is safe, effective, feasible and cost effective. However, misperceptions, lack of supplies, and reimbursement issues combine to defeat attempts to provide the most effective methods of contraception during that hospitalization. We believe that it is time to tackle the problem of unintended and rapid repeat pregnancy using an evidence-based, patient-centered paradigm and to eradicate systemic barriers blocking access to contraceptive methods during hospital stay. This editorial will outline some of the more compelling evidence supporting this move and will provide insights from successful programs.

Factors Influencing the Choice between IUD and Implant among Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARCs) Users in Burkina Faso

Background: Long-acting and reversible contraceptive methods hold great potential as solutions to address the unmet need for contraception and the significant discontinuation rates, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Among these methods, the Implant has gained popularity in sub-Saharan Africa, whereas the utilization of Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) has remained comparatively low, particularly in Burkina Faso. This study aims to evaluate the shifts in IUD and Implant usage from 2010 to 2020 and to pinpoint the factors influencing the choice of IUDs among LARCs users in Burkina Faso. Data and Methods: We conducted an analysis using data from Burkina Faso, drawn from the 2010 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and the 2020 PMA Phase 1 data. The 2010 DHS garnered responses from 17,087 women aged 15 - 49, achieving a response rate of 98.4%. The 2020 PMA data collected responses from 6590 women aged 15 - 49, with a response rate of 95.8%. The final sample of Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs) users consisted of 1502 women, including 576 women from the 2010 survey and 926 women from the 2020 survey. Results: The study demonstrates an expansion of IUD usage to include socioeconomically disadvantaged segments among LARC users. However, higher levels of education, older age, and decisions influenced by healthcare providers are correlated with the preference for IUDs over Implants. The choice of IUDs is also connected to a comprehensive understanding of contraceptive methods, suggesting potential biases in the counseling process. Conclusion: Facilitating the broader adoption of IUDs among disadvantaged groups could be achieved by improving the accessibility of IUD products and services in rural areas. Nevertheless, there should be focused initiatives to enhance access to removal services, as this factor could dissuade specific users. Further efforts are required to train healthcare providers, aiming to mitigate biases in delivering Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs). Providers should provide impartial counseling, irrespective of the selected type of LARC.

An Investigation on the Utilization of Intra Uterine Contraceptive Device among Women in Kabwe, Central Province

Introduction: Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) is an effective long acting reversible contraceptive but its use is low. This study examined factors contributing to the utilization of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) among women in Kabwe Central Province. Methodology: This was an analytical cross sectional study. Primary data was collected from 150 respondents in using simple random sampling method. Data was analysed using the statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) version 22. Chi-square test was used to test associations among the dependent and independent variables. Logistic regression analysis was conducted. The confidence interval was set at 95% and significant level was at 0.05%. Findings: The study found that 44% of the respondents had high level of knowledge about IUCD. About 28% of the respondents, said that they used IUCD because it maintains menstrual bleeding, 26% said that they used because IUCD it does not cause infections, and 19% said that they used IUCD because it does not migrate to other body parts. Majority (81%) of the respondents agreed with a statement that age contributes to underutilization of IUCD. About 77% of the respondents agreed with a statement that marital status contributes to underutilization of IUCD and 75% agreed with a statement that, education level contributes to underutilization of IUCD and was significant. Furthermore, 91% of the respondents agreed with a statement that lack of knowledge about IUCD contributes to underutilization of IUCD and 74% agreed with a statement that religion contributes to underutilization of IUCD. Age (p = 0.003), marital status (p = 0.002), education level (p = 0.003), and employment status (p = 0.02), were found to have a significant relationship with the utilization of IUCD. About 36% of the respondents said that knowledge or education affects the utilization of IUCD at a large extent. The study showed a positive relationship between the utilization of IUCD and all explanatory variables such as age, education/knowledge, marital status, religion, family size and income and acceptability which had a positive correlation ranging from 0.543 to 0.815. Older women with higher education levels were more inclined to use IUCDs compared to younger individuals and those with only a primary education. Religious affiliation influenced IUCD use with Muslim women being less likely to opt for IUCDs. Moreover, being married was associated with lower IUCD utilization. Conclusion: Based on these findings, the study identified age, education/knowledge, marital status, religion, family size and income, and acceptability as the primary drivers of IUCD usage. The study recommends that, there should be a conduct of educational workshops, there should be community awareness programs and there should be comprehensive family Planning Services.

Relationship between Contraceptive Knowledge,Cognition and Behaviors among Vocational High School Students

Objective To study the relationship between contraceptive knowledge, cognition and behaviors among vocational high school students. Methods A cross-sectional survey was anonymously self-administrated by way of computer to all the 1st graders＇ among three vocational high schools in a district of Shanghai. Four cognition indicators, including perceived benefits, perceived barriers, perceived risks and self eJficacy were applied according to Health Belief Model. Results The percentage of respondents who reported ever sexual practices and contraceptives use at first sex was 7.01% and 56.64% respectively. Condom （58. 70%） and oral contraceptive pills （27.78%） were used by the majority. Main reasons for non-use were ＂shy to buy it＂ （26.53%） and ＂partner don＇t want to use any＂ （18.37%）. Proportion of respondents who ever had sex regarded withdrawal and rhythm as effective were 68.35% and 68.42% respectively. Proportion of respondents having sex knew ＂If a person was infected with STDs, he/she might not have noticeable symptoms＂ were 22.86%. Proportion of respondents who reported non-use of contraceptives at first sex considered that ＂infrequent intercourse could not cause a girl pregnant even she had experienced her menstruation＂ were 40.63%. Proportion of respondents who had ever used condom got full score of knowledge on ＂how to correctly use condom＂ were 23,26%. Perceived risks were poorest among four cognition indicators. High level of contraceptive knowledge was connected with high rate of contraceptives use at first sex, whereas high level contraceptive cognition was connected with high rate of contraceptive use both at first and recent sex. Conclusions It is important to provide youth-friendly services as well as message on contraceptives among vocational school students.

Characteristics of Contraceptive Use in So Paulo State,Brazil

Objective To know the characteristics of contraceptive use in Sao Paulo State collected by the Demographic and Health Survey （DHS） conducted in 1996. Methods Data of Sao Paulo in 1996 were analyzed compared with the previous DHS carried on in 1986focusing on Sao Paulo State. Contraceptive use among married or cohabiting women by age, number of children and schooling was closely examined. Age and timing of female sterilization were also analyzed. Results The results showed that unlike Brazil there was a stability of female sterilization in Sao Paulo State during 1986 and 1996. There was a pattern in Sao Paulo： up to 30 years old the pill was the most used contraceptive, after 30 there was a predominance of female sterilization, which increased with the number of children and decreased with schooling. The use of male methods had also increased in the 1986 and 1996 period, being greater in Sao Paulo than in Brazil. Sao Paulo also presented more diversity in the use of reversible contraceptives. Conclusions The predominant two contraceptive methods in Brazil and Sao Paulo changed from 1986 to 1996, i.e..from pill to female sterilization.

Contraceptive Trends and Preferred Methods among Users in Port Harcourt, Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Background: Family planning has clearly been a major public health success as evidenced by substantial fertility decline and reductions in maternal mortality in countries with high contraceptive prevalence rates. Nigerian governments have continued to expand the scope and improve accessibility and availability of contraceptive commodities to improve uptake, giving the numerous benefits. Objective: To determine the trends in contraceptive usage and the preferred method among clients visiting the family planning clinic of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Nigeria. Method: It was a cross sectional study of all clients who accepted contraceptive methods at the UPTH, between 1st January 2000 and 31st December, 2015. Results: During the period, a total of 9190 clients accepted contraceptive methods, and 40,334 women were delivered in the maternity unit giving an acceptance rate of 1 in 4 deliveries or 22.8%. The acceptors of modern contraceptives increased steadily from 491 clients in 2001 to a peak in 2008 with 1477 clients and sharply declined to 381 in 2009 before increasing gradually again to 519 clients in 2015. The most commonly used method was the male condom by 3194 clients (37.9%), followed by injectables, which was accepted by 2185 clients (23.8%) while 1752 clients (19.1%) used the IUD. Implant contraceptive was used by 915 clients (9.9%), followed by oral contraceptive pills used by 547 (6.0%). Female sterilization was the least commonly used method by 302 clients (3.3%). There was no vasectomy over the 15 years period. Conclusion: Contraceptive trend in Port Harcourt has an ambivalent acceptance pattern. Although male condom and injectable contraceptives are the most commonly used method over time, the subdermal implants are increasingly becoming very popular in recent time. Female sterilization remains the least common method with no record of vasectomy.

Spousal communication, fertility preference and other factors affecting contraceptive use among married couples in Ekiti State, Nigeria

Objective:To assess and compare the relationship between spousal communication,fertility preference,and other factors with contraceptive use among married couples in Ekiti State,Nigeria.Methods:This cross-sectional study was carried out in AdoEkiti Local Government Area of Ekiti State,Nigeria between the 12th of August 2017 and the 15th of February 2018.A pre-tested,semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 976 respondents by a multi-stage sampling technique.Data were analyzed(univariate,bivariate,and binary logistic regression analysis)using SPSS version 24.0.Factors that showed statistical significance(P<0.05)were included in a binary logistic regression to determine significant predictors of contraceptive use.Results:The proportion of respondents currently using contraceptives was 56.9%.The education status of the respondents revealed that those with primary education were more likely to use contraceptives than those without formal education[adjusted odds ratio(aOR)8.4,95%confidence interval(CI)1.97-36.2,P<0.001].Respondents with fair spousal communication were more likely to use contraceptive than those with poor communication(aOR 4.9,95%CI 2.80-8.71,P<0.001).In addition,fertility preference of 4 or less children was found to be significantly associated with contraceptive use(aOR 3.0,95%CI 1.67-5.50,P<0.001)compared to a preference of more than 4 children.Finally,the urban respondents were more likely to use contraceptives than those in the rural setting(aOR 1.7,95%CI 1.16-2.41,P=0.047).Conclusions:Educational status,residential site,spousal communication,and fertility preference significantly influence the level of contraceptive use among married couples.Couples should endeavor to discuss more on issues bordering on their fertility preference and contraceptive issue.Government should formulate policies to improve the rural uptake of contraceptives using identified target interventions.

Magnitude and Correlates of Contraceptive Use among Females in Reproductive Age in Arba Minch Zuria Woreda: A Community Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Despite its positive impact in reducing maternal and child mortality and morbidity, the utilization rate of contraceptives is unacceptably low in many developing countries including Ethiopia. This warrants the investigation of the contributing factors of this low utilization for appropriate interventions. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the magnitude and associated factors of contraceptive use in Arba Minch Zuria Woreda, Gamo Gofa Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Methods: A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to July 2010 in 9 kebeles of Arba Minch Demographic and Health Development Program. Results: In this study, 28.3% of all women & 32.7% currently married were using any contraceptive methods during the time of the survey. Almost all current users were using modern methods;the most widely used method was injectable (24.2%) followed by implants (2.4%) and pills (1.3%). Current marital status, ethnicity, age, education, presence of radio set in the house hold and discussion about family planning in the last 6 month before the study with their partner were the independent predictors of contraceptive use. Conclusion: The contraceptive prevalence rate is promising but efforts should continue to further increase the contraceptive coverage especially on kebeles with low coverage by targeting men and misconceptions about family planning.

Choice and Changes of Contraceptive Methods after Primiparous Delivery in Shanghai

Totally, 3 701 prim iparousw om en in Shanghaiw ere follow ed up for 15 m onths after delivery to assess their initialand subsequent changes in choice of contraceptive m ethods. Results show ed that 15 m onths after delivery, 95.46of w om en had al- ready used a contraceptive m ethod. The leading firstchoice of contraceptive m ethods am ong urban w om en w asthe condom (50.72) or IUD(29.09), w hile the leading firstchoice am ong ruralw om en w asIUD(56.65) or the condom (30.60). Within 15 m onths after delivery, w om en w hose first choice had been the condom tended to sw itch usually to an IUD. Butfew er w om en w hosefirstm ethod w asan IUD sw itched to other m ethods. Atthe 15th m onth follow -up, 94.54of w om en w ere all using a m ethod, w ith 60.76of urban w om en and 71.07of rural w om en using IUDs. Multinom inal logistic regression analysis suggests that w om en's characteristics influ- ence the choice of m ethods. Urban, w ell-educated w om en w ere m ore likely to choose condom and rhythm , and lesslikely to chooseOC. Older w om en tended to use condom and rhythm m ore often than younger w om en. Breastfeeding w om en w ere lesslikely to use OC. Wom en w ho received recom m endations regarding postpartum contraception from fam ily planning w orkers w ere m ore likely to use IUD. It w as concluded that fam ily planning w orkers should increase w om en's aw areness of the advantages and disadvantagesof differentm ethods, dispelmythsand rum orsaboutsom em ethodsand improve w om en'sknow ledge of inform ed choice.