Determinants of contraceptive use among postpartum women in Kisii level 5 hospital, Kisii county
Abstract
Introduction: The high unmet need for family planning in the postpartum period adversely
affects the child and mother’s health due to short birth intervals. Unintended pregnancies
following child birth are associated with increased risk of maternal mortality, morbidity and
poor pregnancy outcomes. Adoption of postpartum family planning is a cost effective way
that would reduce maternal and child mortality by 75 percent.
Objective: To establish the determinants of contraceptive uptake among postpartum women
in Kisii level 5 hospital, Kisii county.
Design: This was a cross sectional study carried out in the maternal and child health clinics.
Materials and methods: A sample of 365 women who had brought their children for the 2nd
dose of measles vaccine was selected. Quantitative data was collected using structured
questionnaires and analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20 to determine the
relationship between the dependent and the independent variables. Qualitative data collection
included Focused group discussions with mothers and in-depth interviews with providers. Key
themes were identified.
Findings: There prevalence of contraceptive use among postpartum women was 86.3%.
Contraceptive use was high among women below 25 years. The significant predictors of
contraceptive use were the nature of employment, age and marital status. A woman’s
perception of the quality of health influences the adoption of contraceptives. The government facilities in postpartum services are the most reliable providers of contraception in Kisii.
Conclusion: Education and economic empowerment of women enables them to be involved in decisions to plan their families.
Publisher
University of Nairobi