Abstract:
Background: The world health organization recommends the use of effective contraception for
prevention of unintended pregnancy and unsafe abortion. Although there are few studies conducted
on utilization of post abortion contraceptive in Ethiopia, they indicated diverse level of use among
different regions and institutions. Moreover, there is lack of similar study conducted in the study
area.
Objective: To assess the utilization and preferences of post abortion contraceptive and the
associated factors among women receiving abortion care services in Ambo town, Oromia Region,
Western Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted at the health facilities in Ambo town from 22nd
July to 24th September, 2021. A sample size of 420 women was calculated and systematic random
sampling method was used to select the study participants. The data was collected using a
structured questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 25.0 involving descriptive
statistics, cross-tabs, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. All analyses were done with a
95% confidence interval and significance were considered with p value less than 0.05.
Results: Out of 388 participants who were included in the final analysis, 262 (67.5%) had utilized
post abortion contraceptive of which 173 (66%) received contraceptive methods of their primary
preference The multivariate logistic regression showed that marital status of cohabiting
(AOR=0.08: 95% CI: 0.02-0.42), planning to have an additional child after 1-3 years (AOR
=12.17: 95% CI: 2.10-70.63) or after 3-5 years (AOR=5.37: 95% CI 1.15-25.18) were identified
as factors significantly associated with post abortion contraceptive utilization (PACU). Having a
secondary education level (AOR=3.06; 95% CI: 1.54-6.07) and past experience of a domestic
violence (AOR=2.19; 95% CI: 1.27-3.81) were significantly associated with post-abortion
contraceptive preference (PACP).
Conclusions and recommendations: About two-thirds of the women who received abortion
services received post abortion contraceptive and almost two-thirds of them received a
contraceptive method of their preferences. Marital status, plan to have additional child and being
counseled on contraceptive were significantly associated with PACU. Having a secondary
education level, and having experienced domestic violence were significantly associated with
PACP. The Ministry of Health, the health facilities and other stakeholders should collaborate on
optimizing counseling and raising women’s knowledge on post abortion contraceptive, thus,
optimizing its utilization and preference.
