Modern Contraceptive Use and Associated Factors During Extended Postpartum Period Among Women Who Gave Birth in the Last 12 Months at Northwest Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: The extended postpartum period is a one-year follow-up period after giving birth, and it is critical for women to prevent unintended pregnancy and reduce the risk of maternal and child mortality by ensuring safe birth intervals. Many women, however, are unaware that they are at risk for pregnancy throughout this period. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the utilization and associated factors of modern contraceptives during extended postpartum family planning (EPPP) in northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted using 630 samples from October 01 to October 30, 2020, in northwest Ethiopia. The study participants were drawn through a multistage sampling technique and data were collected using structured questionnaires via interview. The collected data were entered into EpiData version 4.2 and exported into SPSS version 25.0 for management and further analysis. A bivariable logistic regression model was used to identify variables having an association with the outcome variable. In bivariable analysis, variables having P ≤ 0.25 were selected and entered into multivariable logistic regression analysis. Finally, in multivariable analysis, variables having P ≤ 0.05 with a 95% CI were declared as significantly associated with the outcome variable. RESULTS: About 60.6% of women were using modern contraceptive during extended postpartum period. Mothers to partner discussion (AOR= 7.6, 95% CI: 4.20–14.05), secondary educational status (AOR= 3.8, 95% CI: 1.36–10.93), college and above educational status (AOR= 7, 95% CI: 1.92–25.57), menstrual resumption (AOR= 9.2, 95% CI: 5.66–15.12), sex resumed (AOR=8.5, 95% CI: 2.19–33.58), fertility desire (AOR= 3.9, 95% CI: 1.99–6.15), linkage to FP during child immunization (AOR= 2.7, 95% CI: 1.67–4.50), and FP counseling during pregnancy (AOR=2, 95% CI: 1.25–3.34) were significantly associated with outcome variable. CONCLUSION: Associating factors were identified as partner discussion, education, menstrual resumption, fertility desire, sexual resumption, FP counseling, and FP during child immunization. Improving mothers’ education and informing couples about the dangers of becoming pregnant before menstruation are critical.