Knowledge of Postpartum Women About Modern Contraceptive Methods and Attitudes Towards its Utilization in Debre Tabor Town, Northwest Ethiopia: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

\n Background: The postpartum period is a crucial time to prevent short inter-pregnancy interval and unwanted pregnancies. Despite, it is the most ideal period to create awareness regarding knowledge and attitudes of postpartum mothers about contraceptive methods; it is the most neglected part of the continuum of care. Therefore, this study aimed to assess postpartum mothers’ knowledge and attitudes of modern contraceptive methods towards its utilization.Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 552 postpartum mothers at Debre Tabor town from September 20 to October 20, 2018. A cluster sampling technique was used to select the study participants. Data were entered into Epi info version 7 and analyzed by SPSS version 20 software. Multivariable logistic regression model was fitted to identify associated factors. Results: The overall prevalence of good knowledge and favorable attitude towards modern contraceptive methods was 57.6% (95% CI: 53.3%, 61.6%) and 40.6% (95% CI: 36.8, 44.6) respectively. Higher education [AOR: 2.15 (95% CI: 1.36, 3.4)], ever had a discussion with their husband about contraception [AOR: 2.15 (95% CI: 1.48, 3.14)] and ever used modern contraceptive methods [AOR: 1.87 (95% CI: 1.15, 3.03)] were found to be significantly associated with good knowledge of postpartum modern contraceptive methods. Besides, maternal age of 25-34-year-old (AOR= 0.42; 95% CI: 0.27, 0.65), having prior information about contraceptive methods (AOR= 1.73; 95% CI: 1.19, 2.53) and good knowledge of postpartum modern contraceptive methods were associated with the attitude of mothers towards modern contraceptive methods.Conclusion: The study shown that significant number of postpartum mothers had poor knowledge and un-favorable attitude towards modern contraceptive methods. Integrated work is necessary to build up women’s access to education and to get information all through the maternal continuum of care.