KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND DECISION OF FAMILY PLANNING METHODS AMONG MOTHERS MANAGED AT KOLFE HEALTH CENTER

Abstract

Abstract Background: Maternal health problems remain a major global concern since pregnancy and childbirth are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among reproductive age women. Evidences have shown that encouraging early antenatal care visits, institutional deliveries, postnatal care, and contraceptive adoption are the key elements in improving safe motherhood. Therefore this study aims to gain insight into one of the key elements to improve safe motherhood, which is postpartum contraceptive adoption. Objectives: This study aims to determine the knowledge, attitude and decision of mothers towards postpartum family planning. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed among 179 randomly identified mothers who were managed at Kolfe Health Center. Data was collected through interviewer administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 software. Results: Knowledge of at least one contraceptive method is nearly universal in Ethiopia with 99.45% of respondents stating at least one contraceptive technique. Nearly all respondents (97.8%) of respondents have positive attitude towards postpartum contraception. Counseling for postpartum family planning was universal. 50.3% of respondents had decided to use at least one contraceptive technique at the time of interview. Conclusion: Knowledge about postpartum contraceptive techniques is nearly universal in urban areas in Ethiopia with almost all mothers in the postpartum period having a positive attitude towards contraception. The decision to use contraception in urban areas is higher as compared to rural areas. Recommendation: The quality of counseling by health professionals should be improved. Positive imagery towards contraception should be done along with encouragement to use contraceptives.