title: Contraceptive method choice and use by married women of reproductive age in two Districts of East Harerge.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Contraceptive method mix and choice is not uniform across all countries. Literatures have shown that a significant variation exists in contraceptive method mix among regions and countries. In Africa most mothers rely on short-term contraceptives such as pills and injectables or traditional methods while in Asia and Latin America permanent methods mainly male and female sterilizations are commonly used. Though long-term methods of contraception are recommended for its effectiveness and efficiencies in countries like Ethiopia where high fertility rate is a concern, its choice and utilization remains low.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The main objective of the study was to assess factors influencing contraceptive method choice and use among married women of reproductive age in rural Districts of East Harerge Zone of Oromia Region.
  
  
  METHODS
  A community-based cross-sectional study using both quantitative and qualitative methods was conducted among 473 married women of reproductive age in two rural districts of East Harerge Zone. A systematic random sampling method was used to select the study participants from the list of all married women who have been using contraceptives in the project sites. Data was collected using structured and pretested questionnaires. Data entry and analysis was done using EPI Info version 6.04d and SPSS for Windows version 15, respectively. Frequencies and proportions were used for description while odds ratio with 95% CI was used to determine the strength and significance of association between independent and outcome variables. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to control confounding variables.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 473 currently married women who were using modern contraceptives were interviewed for the survey. About 6 in ten (58.8%) were in the age range of 25-34 years with the mean (+/- SD) age of 29.5 (+/- 5.7) years. About three-fourth (74%) were short-term contraceptive method users while only 26% were long-term contraceptive method users. Duration of family planning use, reasons for contraceptive use and provider's choice of the method were positively associated with long-term contraceptive use by married women of reproductive age in the study area. Qualitative finding showed that religious and cultural perceptions about contraceptives and values the society, particularly men, gives to large family size has negatively influenced contraceptive use.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Long-term contraceptive method use is influenced by duration and reason for use of the methods and provider 's choice in the study area. Misconceptions about fertility regulations and the value the society gives to large family size do also affect contraceptive use. Beside availing contraceptives of choice, reproductive health/family planning awareness creation targeting religious leaders as well as interventions aimed at respecting women's right of accessing family planning method of their choice has to be strengthened in the study area.
authors: Rahel
authors: R
authors: Dubiwak
authors: Assefa
authors: A
authors: Seme
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000208:ethnology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005002:Ethiopia; D005191:Family Characteristics / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012424:Rural Population; D012494:Sampling Studies; D018454:Spouses; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult