Postpartum fertility behaviours and contraceptive use among women in rural Ghana

Contraceptive use by number of living children in Ghana: Evidence from the 2017 maternal health survey

BACKGROUND

There is a significant literature describing the link between parity and contraceptive use. However, there is limited knowledge about the disaggregation by parity of the type of contraceptives. In this study, we describe the use of contraceptives by parity among women of reproductive age in Ghana, focusing on use of highly effective methods (injection, pill, intrauterine device, implant, and sterilization).

METHODS

Using the 2017 Ghana Maternal Health Survey, a nationally-representative cross-sectional household survey, we describe contraceptive method use by number of living children among sexually active women of reproductive age. We then estimated predictors of use of highly effective contraception in a multilevel logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Most women in this survey are not using any method of contraception, although this varies by whether or not they have begun childbearing. Contraceptive method use varies by number of living children. Before having children, natural (periodic abstinence and withdrawal) and episodic (condoms) methods dominate. Once a woman has one living child, method preference changes to injectables and implants. Factors associated with using a highly effective method of contraception are: having >3 children, being in a relationship, having had an abortion, being younger than age 30, and having had sexual intercourse within days of answering the survey (p < .001 for all).

CONCLUSION

In this analysis, the number of living children a woman has, her age, and timing of last intercourse are the most significant predictors of using a highly effective method of contraception. However, the majority of participants in this study report not using any method of contraception to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Future research that attempts to unpack the disconnect between not wanting to become pregnant and not using contraception is warranted.

Postpartum contraceptive initiation and use: Evidence from Accra, Ghana

BACKGROUND

Postpartum contraceptive use reduces unintended pregnancies and results in better health outcomes for children and women. However, there is a dearth of knowledge on postpartum contraceptive use in Ghana, particularly among women in low-income urban settings. To shed light on strategies that might enhance access to postpartum family planning services in low-income urban settings, we examined contraceptive use among postpartum women in Accra, Ghana, at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months following the birth and the methods used. The predictors of modern contraceptive use in the 12-month postpartum period were also examined.

METHODS

Data come from a cross-sectional survey conducted in 2018 among 624 women aged 16-44 years who reported giving birth in the past 13-31 months prior to the interview. We generated descriptive statistics to examine the prevalence of contraceptive use among postpartum women at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after birth. We further estimated a binary logistic regression to examine the predictors of modern contraceptive use at 12 months postpartum.

RESULTS

Forty percent of postpartum women never used any contraceptive method during 1 year after birth and of those who used a method, 40% relied on traditional methods. Moreover, 29% of women started using a method the immediate 1 month post-birth. Results further show that postpartum modern contraceptive uptake was positively associated with higher education, having more live births, and being currently in a union.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlight that there may be opportunities to improve the quality of counseling during antenatal and postnatal care visits by clients to ensure fully informed choices regarding postpartum contraception. Community outreach by health providers/promoters or similar models should be promoted in low-income population settings to educate postpartum women on modern contraceptive use. Women who plan to use traditional methods should be provided with information on the consistent and correct use of these methods.

Prevalence and Determinants of Contraceptive Utilization among Women in the Reproductive Age Group in Ethiopia

INTRODUCTION

Despite the huge advantages of family planning programs, contraception use in Ethiopia remains low. Determining the magnitude and associated factors of contraceptive utilization helps to take action for further improvement. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence and identify determinants of using contraceptives among women of reproductive age in Ethiopia.

METHODS

The 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey 2019 (EMDHS 2019) dataset was utilized in this population-based investigation. In the current study, 8885 reproductive-age women were included. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to examine significant factors associated with the utilization of contraceptive methods. The analysis was done using SPSS software version 20.

RESULTS

The prevalence of contraceptive utilization amongst women's reproductive age in Ethiopia was 37.6%. Of all contraceptive users, a large number of women, 57.0%, used injectable kinds of contraceptives followed by implants (24.3%). Participants aged 20-29 (AOR = 2.32, 95%CI: 1.79-3.01) and aged 30-39 years (AOR = 3.12, 95%CI: 2.58-3.78); from Addis Ababa (AOR = 3.27, 95%CI:2.42-4.43), Dire Dawa (AOR = 2.96, 95%CI:2.28-3.84), and urban residence (AOR = 2.49, 95%CI:2.13-2.91); who had secondary education level 1.391(AOR = 1.14-1.70), diploma and above (AOR = 1.39, 95%CI:1.12-1.72); being in rich wealth index (AOR = 1.260, 95%CI:1.06-1.50); having five or more children (AOR = 1.37, 95%CI:1.17-1.61); and who had knowledge about contraceptives (AOR = 1.88, 95%CI:1.42-2.48) and being married (AOR = 5.82, 95%CI: 4.60-7.36) had higher odds of utilizing contraceptives, while women aged 40-49 years (AOR = 0.93, 95%CI: 0.89-0.96) and from residential region of Oromia (AOR = 0.516, 95%CI: 0.40-0.67), Somalia (AOR = 0.48, 95%CI: 0.38-0.62) and Benishangul (AOR = 0.53, 95%CI: 0.40-0.70) had lower odds of using contraception.

CONCLUSIONS

The study concluded that the use of contraceptives remained very low (found below the national target) in Ethiopia. Factors like age, educational level, number of children, and region of the women, religion, wealth index, and marital status are determinant factors associated with contraceptive use among reproductive-age women in Ethiopia. For a more successful intervention approach that encourages the use of contraceptive methods, these variables should be considered.

Validation and Assessment of a Tool to Measure Psychosocial Readiness to Use Modern Contraceptives among Women in Tigray, Ethiopia

Social norms, beliefs, and attitudes around modern contraception (MC) use can influence the decision to take up a method, but susceptibility to these factors varies between individuals. The effect of psychosocial readiness to use MC at the individual level is not established for women in Ethiopia. Data from 349 women were used for validity and reliability testing of a 12-item MC psychosocial readiness scale. A rating-scale Rasch model tested for unidimensionality, rating scale functioning, and construct and content validity. Multiple linear regression assessed the effect of respondent characteristics on MC psychosocial readiness scores. The psychometric properties of the univariate MC psychosocial readiness scale were satisfactory after the stepwise removal of two items. Prior MC use, socioeconomic status, geographic zone, and education were significantly associated with increased endorsement of MC psychosocial readiness. The 10-item scale measures the extent of endorsement of MC psychosocial readiness for childbearing women in Tigray, Ethiopia. Further research should qualitatively explore the identified influence of education on MC psychosocial readiness.

Lactational Amenorrhea: Neuroendocrine Pathways Controlling Fertility and Bone Turnover

Lactation is a physiological state of hyperprolactinemia and associated amenorrhea. Despite the fact that exact mechanisms standing behind the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovarian axis during lactation are still not clear, a general overview of events leading to amenorrhea may be suggested. Suckling remains the most important stimulus maintaining suppressive effect on ovaries after pregnancy. Breastfeeding is accompanied by high levels of prolactin, which remain higher than normal until the frequency and duration of daily suckling decreases and allows normal menstrual function resumption. Hyperprolactinemia induces the suppression of hypothalamic Kiss1 neurons that directly control the pulsatile release of GnRH. Disruption in the pulsatile manner of GnRH secretion results in a strongly decreased frequency of corresponding LH pulses. Inadequate LH secretion and lack of pre-ovulatory surge inhibit the progression of the follicular phase of a menstrual cycle and result in anovulation and amenorrhea. The main consequences of lactational amenorrhea are connected with fertility issues and increased bone turnover. Provided the fulfillment of all the established conditions of its use, the lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) efficiently protects against pregnancy. Because of its accessibility and lack of additional associated costs, LAM might be especially beneficial in low-income, developing countries, where modern contraception is hard to obtain. Breastfeeding alone is not equal to the LAM method, and therefore, it is not enough to successfully protect against conception. That is why LAM promotion should primarily focus on conditions under which its use is safe and effective. More studies on larger study groups should be conducted to determine and confirm the impact of behavioral factors, like suckling parameters, on the LAM efficacy. Lactational bone loss is a physiologic mechanism that enables providing a sufficient amount of calcium to the newborn. Despite the decline in bone mass during breastfeeding, it rebuilds after weaning and is not associated with a postmenopausal decrease in BMD and osteoporosis risk. Therefore, it should be a matter of concern only for lactating women with additional risk factors or with low BMD before pregnancy. The review summarizes the effect that breastfeeding exerts on the hypothalamus-pituitary axis as well as fertility and bone turnover aspects of lactational amenorrhea. We discuss the possibility of the use of lactation as contraception, along with this method's prevalence, efficacy, and influencing factors. We also review the literature on the topic of lactational bone loss: its mechanism, severity, and persistence throughout life.

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.

The influence of balanced counseling strategy on mother toward use of post partum family planning

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze influence of balanced counseling strategies on the use of immediate PPFP.

METHODS

This research is pre experiment with only posttest control group design. Samples were third trimester pregnant women, respectively 25 experimental and control group were selected purposively, analyzed by chi-square test.

RESULTS

There was an effect of BCS on the use of PPFP, there was an effect of using PPFP at age above 20 years, parity≥2, low secondary education, sufficient knowledge and husband's support (p-value<0.005). It was concluded that BCS in third trimester pregnant women and repeated post partum had an effect on the use of PPFP especially mothers with age, parity, sufficient knowledge and mothers who received support from their husbands.

CONCLUSION

It is expected that pregnant women will get BCS and continue post partum to increase coverage of PPFP use.

Predictors of contraceptive discontinuation among postpartum women in Arusha region, Tanzania

Background

Postpartum contraceptive discontinuation refers to cessation of use following initiation after delivery within 1 year postpartum. Discontinuation of use has been associated with an increased unmet need for family planning that leads to high numbers of unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortion or mistimed births. There is scant information about contraceptive discontinuation and its predictors among postpartum women in Tanzania. This study aimed to determine predictors of contraception discontinuation at 3, 6, 12 months postpartum among women of reproductive age in Arusha city and Meru district, Tanzania.

Methods

This was an analytical cross-sectional study which was conducted in two district of Arusha region (Arusha city and Meru district respectively). A multistage sampling technique was used to select 13 streets of the 3 wards in Arusha City and 2 wards in Meru District. A total of 474 women of reproductive age (WRAs) aged 16–44 years residing in the study areas were included in this analysis. Data analysis was performed using STATA version 15. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for the factors associated with contraceptives discontinuation (at 3, 6 and 12 moths) were estimated in a multivariable logistic regression model.

Results

Overall, discontinuation rate for all methods at 3, 6, and 12 months postpartum was 11, 19 and 29% respectively. It was higher at 12 months for Lactational amenorrhea, male condoms and injectables (76, 50.5 and 36%, respectively). Women aged 40–44 years had lower odds of contraceptive discontinuation at 3 months as compare to those aged 16 to 19 years. Implants and pills users had also lower odds of contraceptive discontinuation compared to injectable users at 3, 6 and 12 months respectively.

Conclusion

Lactational amenorrhea, male condoms and injectables users had the highest rates of discontinuation. Women’s age and type of method discontinued were independently associated with postpartum contraceptive discontinuation. Addressing barriers to continue contraceptive use amongst younger women and knowledge on method attributes, including possible side-effects and how to manage complications is warranted.

Factors associated with early resumption of sexual intercourse among women during extended postpartum period in Northwest Ethiopia: a cross sectional study

BACKGROUND

Postpartum sexual health and practice need to be integrated in the current maternal healthcare services to address sexual health problems. However, postpartum sexual practice has received little attention, and was not often discussed by healthcare providers during prenatal and postnatal care. Thus, this study was aimed to assess early resumption of sexual intercourse and associated factors among postpartum women in Gondar city, Northwest Ethiopia.

METHODS

A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from January 20 to February 20, 2020. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 634 postpartum women. A pretested, structured and interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered into Epi Info 7.2.2 and exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions analysis were done. Variables with p- value of < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.

RESULTS

The magnitude of early resumption of sexual intercourse after childbirth was found to be 26.9% (95% CI: 23.2, 30.8). Urban resident (AOR = 6.12, 95% CI: 2.41, 15.66), parity of one (AOR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.66, 7.78), husband demand (AOR = 2.66, 95% CI: 1.72, 4.11), postnatal care (AOR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.18) and use of family planning (AOR = 2.72, 95% CI: 1.51, 3.43) were factors significantly associated with early resumption of sexual intercourse.

CONCLUSION

The study found that more than one fourth of women had resumed sexual intercourse within six weeks of following childbirth. The finding of this study suggests the need of integrating discussions of postpartum sexual activity into routine prenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care with collaborative effort of policy makers, program planners, health care providers and other stakeholders. Moreover, spousal communication on postpartum sexual activity should be encouraged.

Postpartum Contraceptive Use and Its Determinants in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background

Postpartum contraceptive use is defined as the avoidance of short spaced pregnancies and unintended pregnancy through the first 12 months after delivery. In Ethiopia, different studies have been conducted to assess the prevalence of postpartum contraceptive use and associated factors. The findings of these studies were inconsistent and characterized by great variability. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the pooled prevalence of postpartum contraceptive use and determinants in Ethiopia using the accessible studies.

Methods

The articles were identified through electronic search of reputable databases (MEDLINE through PubMed, EMBASE, HINARI, Science Direct, and Cochrane Library) and the hand search of reference listed in previous prevalence studies to retrieve more. 18 articles are included based on a comprehensive list of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two authors independently extracted all necessary data using a standardized data extraction format. STATA 14 statistical software was used to analyze the data. The Cochrane Q and I² test were used to assess the heterogeneity between the studies. A random effects model was calculated to estimate the pooled prevalence of postpartum contraceptive use. Moreover, the determinants for family planning use were reviewed.

Results

The pooled prevalence of family planning use among mothers during the postpartum period in Ethiopia was 48.11% (95% CI: 36.96, 59.27). Besides, subgroup analysis revealed that the highest family planning use prevalence among postpartum mothers was observed in Addis Ababa, 65.41 (95% CI: 48.71, 82.11). Resumed sexual activity: 7.91 (95% CI: 4.62, 13.55), antenatal care: 4.98 (95% CI: 2.34, 10.21), secondary school and above level of maternal education: 3.53 (95% CI: 1.67, 7.45), postnatal care: 3.16 (95% CI: 1.7, 5.88), menses resumption: 3.12 (95% CI: 1.52, 6.39), and ≥6 months of postpartum period: 2.78 (95% CI: 1.97, 3.93) have shown a positive association with the use of family planning among mothers in the postpartum epoch.

Conclusions

In this study, family planning use among mothers of the postpartum period in Ethiopia was significantly low compared to the existing global commendation on postpartum contraceptive use. Resumed sexual activity, antenatal care, secondary and above level of maternal education, postnatal care, menses resumption, and postpartum period ≥ 6 months were found to be significantly associated with postpartum contraceptive use.