Where we should focus? Myths and misconceptions of long acting contraceptives in southern nations, nationalities and People’s region, Ethiopia: qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Despite its wider benefits and access made at community level, contraceptive methods are one of underutilized services in study area and it is believed to be influenced by misconceptions and socio cultural values. This study was designed to explore women’s perceptions, myths and misconception to inform program implementers. METHODS: Study was conducted in Southern Nations, Nationalities and People’s Region, Ethiopia in 2015. Five focus group discussions with 50 women of reproductive age and 10 key informant interviews with providers and program officers were done. The discussions and interviews were tape-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed manually using framework analysis with deductive and descriptive approaches. RESULTS: Improving community awareness about contraceptives and benefits of contraceptive utilization were acknowledged by majority of participants. Long acting methods were less preferred due to perceived side effects, myths and misconceptions and desire to have more children. Additionally, socio-economic status and partner influence were listed as reason for non-use. Poor provider-client interaction on available methods was also reported as system related gap. CONCLUSION: Program implementers need to address fears, myths and misconceptions. Quality of family planning counselling should be monitored.