The more, the better: influence of family planning discussions during the maternal, newborn and child health continuum of care on postpartum contraceptive uptake and method type among young women in Ethiopia

Background: This study examines the association between family planning (FP) discussions with health professionals during contact points on the maternal, newborn and child health continuum of care and timing of modern contraceptive uptake and method type in the one-year following childbirth in six regions of Ethiopia among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). Methods: This paper uses panel data of women aged 15-24 who were interviewed during pregnancy and the postpartum period between 2019-2021 as part of the PMA Ethiopia survey (n=652). Results: Despite the majority of pregnant and postpartum AGYW attending antenatal care (ANC), giving birth in a health facility, and attending vaccination visits, one-third or less of those who received the service reported discussion of FP at any of these visits. When considering the cumulative effect of discussions of FP at ANC, pre-discharge after childbirth, postnatal care and vaccination visits, we found that discussion of FP at a greater number of visits resulted in increased uptake of modern contraception by one-year postpartum. A greater number of FP discussions was associated with higher long-acting reversible contraceptive use relative to non-use and relative to short-acting method use. Conclusions: Despite high attendance, there are missed opportunities to discuss FP when AGYW access care.