Utilization of Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive Methods and Associated Factors among Women Aged 15-24 Years in Mekelle city, Tigrai Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Many young women have faced immense sexual and reproductive health problems such as unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and sexually transmitted diseases. Promoting equitable access to the full range of modern contraceptive methods is essential for the health and empowerment of women, and the development of societies. The most effective methods of contraception including Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive methods are frequently the least available and utilized in Ethiopia.
Objective: This study aimed to assess the utilization of Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive methods and associated factors among women aged 15-24 years of age attending Youth Friendly Services in Mekelle city.
Methods: A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 10 to 22/2016. The study was conducted in four Youth Friendly Service implementing health centers in Mekelle city. Data collection was simultaneously started in four of the study health centers and continued until the desired sample was satisfied. The sample size was determined to be 231 based on single population proportion formula. A pre-tested and structured questionnaire was used to collect the data and entered using Epi info Version 7.1.3.5 and analyzed using SPSS version 21 software.
Results: The majority (85.3%) of the respondents reported to have ever heard of Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive methods, of which everyone heard implants while nearly three-quarters of them heard about Intra Uterine Devises. Overall, 48.2% of youths had positive attitude towards LARC methods. The utilization of Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive methods was 19(8.2%) and implants were the most common used 18 (94.7%) methods. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed the odd of Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive use were 6 times more likely to be among youths who had positive attitude towards Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive methods compared to those who had negative attitude (AOR=6.471, 95%CI (1.755-23.858).
Conclusions: Youth positive attitude towards Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive methods is the main determinant of Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive methods use. Therefore, effective information, education and communication service to youth is needed.