Utilization of Long-Acting Contraceptive Methods and Associated Factors among Female Health Care Providers in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2018

INTRODUCTION: Sub-Saharan Africa, including Ethiopia, faces serious population and reproductive health challenges, indicated by a higher unmet need for family planning, especially for long-acting contraceptive methods, higher fertility, and population growth rates. The utilization of long-acting reversible contraceptive methods in Ethiopia and in particular in the study area is low. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the utilization of long-acting reversible contraceptive methods among female health care workers in the reproductive age group in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia, in 2018. METHODS: Institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 to 30 March 2018. A total of 392 female health care workers have participated. Data were collected by a structured, pretested, and self-administered questionnaire, then entered into Epi-info Version 7, and analyzed by SPSS Version 21. Bivariable and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were carried out. p value <0.05 was considered to declare statistically significant variables. RESULT: The current utilization of long-acting contraceptive methods among female health workers was found to be 22.7%. Supportive attitude of their husbands/partners (AOR at 95% CI 4.62 (1.52–14.09)), having <5000 EBrr monthly family income (AOR at 95% CI 2.813 (1.04–7.57)), supportive attitude towards the utilization of long-acting contraceptive methods (AOR at 95% CI 5.13 (2.03–12.95)), and the desire to have 0–2 children (AOR at 95% CI 5.34 (1.80–15.80)) were positively associated factors towards the utilization of long-acting contraceptive methods. CONCLUSION: The current utilization of long-acting contraceptive methods was found low. Husbands/partners' supportive attitude, the number of children they want to have, attitude, and monthly family income were identified as significant factors. The East Gojjam Zonal Health Department and other stakeholders should work on the promotion of partners/husbands' involvement in the utilization of long-acting contraceptive methods among reproductive age women, including health care workers.