Prevalence and factors associated with Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives utilization among youth in Mekelle City, Ethiopia

Abstract

Background: Contraceptive use could prevent one-third of maternal deaths. Despite of high fertility rate in Ethiopia, the utilization of long acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) still remains low among youth.
Objective: The study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors associated with long acting reversible contraceptives utilization among youth in Mekelle city, Tigray, Ethiopia.

Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Mekelle city, Ethiopia from April-May 2018. A total of 335 subjects were included in this study. Three stage sampling was applied to approach the study participants. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify factors associated with LARCs utilization. Results were described using frequency and percentage, and presented by tables. The strength of association was measured by odds ratios along with their 95% CI. A p-value <0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.

Result: A total of 335 participants were interviewed making the response rate 98.5%. The current utilization of long acting reversible contraceptives was 14%. Marital status (AOR=13 95 CI= (4.9, 34.8)) and knowledge about LARCs (AOR=7.5 95% CI= (2.8, 19.9) were positively associated with LARCs utilization.

Conclusion:-The utilization of long acting reversible contraceptives was low. High knowledge about LARCs and being married were factors associated with long acting reversible contraceptives utilization. Increasing youth knowledge on long acting reversible contraceptives would be vital for better utilization.