Determinants of immediate family planning utilization among postpartum women in Northwestern Ethiopia

Abstract

Immediate postpartum family planning is the initiation of contraception within 48 hours after delivery and is a critical intervention
for preventing unintended pregnancies and reducing short inter-birth intervals. Despite its importance, utilization remains low in
many parts of Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the magnitude of immediate postpartum family planning and identify its
determinants among postpartum women in public health facilities of Assosa Zone, Northwestern Ethiopia. An institutional-based
cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2022 among 564 postpartum women who gave birth in the nine months
preceding the survey in selected public health facilities. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured
questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with immediate postpartum family planning utilization.
Only 142(25.2%) postpartum women used immediate postpartum family planning services. Rural residence, being merchants,
students, and daily laborers, having partner support, attending four or more antenatal care visits, receiving postnatal care services at
the hospital or health centers, and receiving postpartum family planning counselling were significantly associated with higher
utilization of immediate postpartum family planning services. The strongest predictors were partner support and receiving postnatal
care at a health facility. The utilization of immediate postpartum family planning was low in the study area. Strengthening high
quality, client-centered counselling during critical maternal care continuum periods, along with active partner involvement is
essential to improve uptake and contribute to better maternal and child health outcomes.