Postpartum Contraceptive Use Among Young Mothers In Kwaebibirem District, Ghana

ABSTRACT Background Postpartum family planning has the potential to reduce maternal and child morbidity and mortality. A short birth interval of less than two years is associated with adverse health effects for the mother and baby and the society as a whole. The aim of this study was to determine postpartum contraceptive prevalence among young mothers attending child welfare clinics in the Kwaebibirem District, Eastern Region, and explore factors that influence family planning uptake after delivery. Method A clinic-based, cross-sectional study using interviewer administered structured questionnaire. 416 young postpartum mothers aged 15-24 years, with 6-18 months old babies and attending child welfare clinics were recruited consecutively for the study. Data was analysed using STATA 12 version. In addition to descriptive statistics, Pearson’s chi-squared test was used for bivariate analysis of the socio-demographic and reproductive health factors and postpartum contraception. Multiple logistic regressions were used to explore factors associated with postpartum contraceptive use found to be significant at 95% confident interval and p≤ 0.05. Results One hundred and ninety nine (47.8%) young postpartum mothers used modern contraceptives within 18 months after delivery. Fear of side effects (44.1%) remains the main barrier for nonuse of modern contraceptives. Postpartum contraceptive use was significantly associated with tertiary education (AOR=9.4, 95% CI: 1.5-60.0); formal employment (AOR=0.3, 95% CI: 0.1- 0.3); no previous history of contraceptive use (AOR=8.4, 95% CI: 4.0-18.2); non resumption of sexual intercourse after delivery (AOR=4.7, 95% CI: 2.0-10.3); no communication among partners about contraception (AOR= 0.1, 95% CI: 0.1-0.3).  Conclusions Modern contraceptive use among the young postpartum women was found to be relatively high compared to the current national prevalence rate of 22 percent. Formal education and spousal communication influence postpartum contraceptive use. Resumption of sexual intercourse was negatively associated with the use of postpartum contraception. Fear of side effects limits use. Recommendations There is the need to empower women through improvement in female education and encourage discussions among couples on postpartum contraceptive use. Adequate and accurate information on potential side effects should be provided during counseling. Family planning providers should be empowered with skills to manage side effects when reported.