Postpartum modern contraceptive use in northern Ethiopia: prevalence and associated factors

OBJECTIVES The postpartum period is a critical period for addressing widespread unmet needs in family planning and for reducing the risks of closely spaced pregnancies. However, contraception during the extended postpartum period has been underemphasized in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess postpartum modern contraceptive use among women in northern Ethiopia and to identify factors associated with modern contraceptive use in the postpartum period. METHODS A community based cross-sectional study was conducted from March to April, 2015. Data were entered using Epi Info version 7 and then exported into Stata version 12 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were fitted to identify the determinants of postpartum modern contraceptive use. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and p-values <0.05 were considered to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS Nearly half (48.0%) of women used modern contraceptives during the extended postpartum period. Postpartum modern contraceptive use was significantly associated with secondary and tertiary education levels (aOR, 4.25; 95% CI, 1.29 to 14.00; aOR, 5.36 ; 95% CI, 1.14 to 25.45, respectively), family planning counseling during prenatal and postnatal care (aOR, 5.72 ; 95% CI, 2.67, 12.28), having postnatal care (aOR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.15 to 4.87), resuming sexual activity (aOR, 9.53; 95% CI, 3.74 to 24.27), and menses returning after birth (aOR, 6.35; 95% CI, 3.14 to 13.39). In addition, experiencing problems with previous contraceptive use was negatively associated with modern contraceptive use (aOR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.16 to 0.72). CONCLUSIONS Low rate of postpartum modern contraceptive use were found in the study area. Therefore, strengthening family planning counseling during antenatal and postnatal care visits, improving utilization of postnatal care services and improving women’s educational status are crucial steps for to enhance modern contraceptive use among postpartum women

Intentions on contraception use and its associated factors among postpartum women in Aksum town, Tigray region, northern Ethiopia: a community-based cross- sectional study

Abstract Background Increased access to contraceptive methods has been established as a cost-effective strategy for developing countries to reduce maternal and child mortality. Intentions to contraceptive uptake appear to be best predictors of actual contraceptive practice than the unmet need. However, intention to contraceptive use in Ethiopia particularly among postpartum women is not well assessed. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess intention to use modern contraceptive and to identify factors associated among postpartum women in Aksum town. Methods A community –based analytical cross-sectional study design was done to collect the data from 604 postpartum mothers using a structured questionnaire. The data was collected from March 25 to April 24, 2015. A multivariable logistic regression was conducted to assess factors associated with intentions to use contraceptive methods. Factors influencing intentions on contraceptive methods use were assessed by computing adjusted odds ratios (AOR) at 95% confidence interval (CI) with statistical significant p- value < 0.05. Results Intention to use modern contraceptive was 84.3%. Resumed sexual intercourse (AOR = 1.78; 95% CI: 1.34, 3.92) and women whose their husband approved family planning to use (AOR = 1.57; 95% CI: 2.02, 5.57) were more likely to have intention on contraceptive use. In addition, those women who knew at least one method of modern contraceptive (AOR = 5.17; 95% CI: 1.69, 15.82) were more likely to had intention to use modern contraceptive during extended postpartum period compared to their counterparts. Conclusion and recommendation More than eight in ten study participants have intention to use contraceptive in the Aksum town. Resumed sexual intercourse, husband’s approval of family planning and knew at least one method of contraceptive are the three major predictors to be an areas when considering interventions to increase of intention on contraceptive. Therefore, this study highlighted that; in order to increase intention and adoption of contraceptive, the family planning services providers and programmers should continue the promotion of partner involvement and increasing family planning knowledge through printed media and mass media

Predictors of back disorder among Almeda textile factory workers, North Ethiopia

Abstract Objectives To guide the development of targeted interventions for the prevention of work-related back pain, this manuscript estimates the prevalence of back pain and its association with a variety of risk factors among Almeda textile factory production works from March to April 2015. An institutional—based cross-sectional study was carried out in Almeda textile factory, North Ethiopia. Randomly selected workers were administered a structured questionnaire about their socio-economic status, lifestyle, working conditions, back pain and selected risk factors. The data was entered to Epi Info 3.5.4 version and analyzed using SPSS version 16. Descriptive statistics were done to characterize the study participants. Bivariate and multiple logistic regressions were fitted to control confounding variables. Adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals was computed. Results The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was 53.1%. Gender, age, years of service, lack of physical activity, unavailability of adjustable chair, work-load and poor light were significantly associated with increased risk of back pain. The high prevalence of work-related back pain disorder implies that; habit of doing physical exercise, availing adjustable chair and light at the working place, are key issues which require specific interventions

Breast self-examination practice and associated factors among women aged 20–70 years attending public health institutions of Adwa town, North Ethiopia

Abstract Objective Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. The incidence of breast has been increasing in most regions of the world. Regular breast self-examination is one of the most cost-effective methods for early detection of breast cancer in asymptomatic women. Despite this fact, breast self-examination practice remains low in Ethiopia. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess breast self-examination practice and associated factors among women aged 20–70 years attending public health institutions of Adwa town, North Ethiopia. Results From the total study participants, only 26 (6.5%) of them had ever practice breast self-examination, and only 25 (6.25%) of them practice breast self-examination regularly. Being a government employee (AOR = 0.22, 95% CI = 0.071–0.683), having good perceived confidence to do breast self-examination (AOR = 5.32, 95% CI = 1.89–14.95) and having perceived good susceptibility to develop breast cancer (AOR = 3.79, 95% CI = 1.74–9.74) were the factors significantly associated with breast self-examination. Breast self-examination practice among the study participants was low. Therefore, informing every woman is susceptible to breast cancer, improving the confidence of women is recommended to increase breast self-examination practice

Blood donation practice and associated factors among health professionals in Tigray regional state public hospitals, northern Ethiopia

Abstract Objective The demand for blood and blood products are increasing in all part of the globe, especially in the developing nations. However, there is limited information on the level of blood donation practice and their related factors. Therefore, assessing the level of blood donation practice and its determinant factors among health professionals have a paramount importance in designing an effective strategy for sustaining adequate and safe blood provision in the hospitals. Results Out of 556 health professionals, 266 (47.8%) had ever donated blood in their life time. Age above 30 years (AOR = 2.756 95% CI 1.055–7.197), married health professionals (AOR = 1.729 95% CI 1.091–2.739), health professionals’ knowledge of blood donation (AOR = 3.403 95% CI 2.296–5.044), health professionals’ attitude towards blood donation (AOR = 3.41 95% CI 2.320–5.041) and health professionals who attend degree education (AOR = 0.315 95% CI 0.104–0.950) were significantly associated with blood donation behavior of health professionals. The magnitude of blood donation practice was found low. Therefore, the Ethiopian Red Cross Society and ministry of health should continue increasing the attitude and knowledge of health professionals toward blood donation practices are the key avenues interventions

Predictors of postpartum contraceptive use in rural Tigray region, northern Ethiopia: a multilevel analysis

Abstract Background Postpartum family planning services is one of the recommended public health intervention aimed at reducing maternal and child morbidity and mortalities. However, there is a paucity studies in rural Tigray region. Therefore, determining the level and associated factors of contraceptive use among postpartum women has the potential to contribute in achieving the Ethiopian Health Sector Transformation Plan and to the Sustainable Development Goals on maternal and infant survival. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was done among 1109 postpartum women from March 29, 2017 to April 29, 2017. Face –to–face interview was used for data collection. The collected data were entered and cleaned using EPI - INFO version 7statistical software and later exported to and analyzed using STATA version 12. Mixed-effects multilevel logistic regression analysis was used to identify the individual and community-level factors associated with contraception adoption. A two side p-value< 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results The level of contraceptive use was 38.3%. Individual-level variables such as women belong to fourth (AOR = 1.2; 95% CI: 1.1–3.2) and fifth (AOR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.3–2.5) wealth quintiles were identified as key predictors of contraception use. In addition, partner secondary (AOR = 2.3; 95% CI: 1.8–3.5) and diploma (AOR = 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1–2.6) educational-level and postnatal care (AOR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.9, 4.3) were also significantly affected contraception use. Community-level variables such as high community-level antenatal care services use (AOR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.9–4.2) and proximity of women to health facility (AOR = 3.0; 95% CI: 2.7–4.6) were also determinants of contraception uptake. Conclusions The status of contraceptive use in rural Tigray region was found to be low. It was found that both individual and community-level variables showed a marked determinant on postpartum contraception use. This study suggested that in order to increase contraceptive use the government should focus on increasing postnatal care, antenatal care services use and reduction of poverty level are important avenues for intervention

Depression among Adult HIV/AIDS Patients Attending ART Clinics at Aksum Town, Aksum, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background. Depression is consistently associated with increased risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection and poor antiretroviral treatment adherence. Though many factors have been reported as determinant factors of depression, site-specific evidence is needed to identify factors associated with depression among adults on antiretroviral treatment. Methods. An institution based cross-sectional study was carried out from March to May 2015 among 411 adults HIV/AIDS patients on ART clinic follow-up. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling techniques. Data were collected using chart review and interviewer- administered techniques. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to compute the statistical test associations by SPSS version-20. Variables with p value < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant. Results. Four hundred eleven patients with a mean age ± Standard Deviation of 36.1±9.2 years and with a total response rate of 97.6% were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of depression was 14.6% (95% CI, 10.90-18.2). Factors independently associated with depression were nonadherence to ART, eating two meals per day or less, having side effect of ART medication, being in the WHO Stage II or above of HIV/AIDS, and living alone with AOR (95% CI) of 3.3 (1.436, 7.759), 2.8 (1.382, 5.794), 4.7 (1.317, 16.514), 2.8 (0.142, 0.786), and 2.4 (1.097, 5.429), respectively. Conclusion. Though the magnitude of depression was found relatively low, it was commonly observed as a mental health problem among adult patients with HIV/AIDS on ART. Programs on counseling and close follow-up of adherence to ART, drug side effects, and nutrition should be strengthened. Health facilities should link adult patients with HIV/AIDS who live alone to governmental and nongovernmental social supporter organizations

Knowledge and associated factors of lactational amenorrhea as a contraception method among postpartum women in Aksum town, Tigray Region, Ethiopia

Abstract Objectives The objective of the study was to assess the prevalence of knowledge level and predictors of lactational amenorrhea method (LAM) as method of contraception among women who gave birth a year prior to the study period in the Aksum town, Tigray Region. The study was cross sectional in design conducted from March 25 to April 24, 2015. Results of the study could help the design of family planning strategies. Results The knowledge status of LAM as a contraceptive method was 8.8% [95% CI 6.4–11%)]. Women who delivered at health institution (AOR = 1.4, 95% CI 1.2–4.3), attended postnatal care (AOR = 1.3, 95% CI 1.2–3.0) and visited home and counseled about family planning by health extension in the last 12 months, (AOR = 1.5, 95% CI 1.3–4.0) were more likely found knowledgeable towards LAM. Secondary and above level of the maternal education was also found a significant predictor variable with LAM as a contraceptive method (AOR = 1.2 95% CI 1.1–4.0). Our findings recommend that to address the knowledge gap of mothers; improving the uptake of maternal health services and strengthening family planning counseling at home are a key area for improving the knowledge level of LAM