Factors associated with uptake of postpartum family planning methods in rural Kenya

Abstract

Background: In most developing countries, the level of postpartum family planning uptake has been low which is linked to poor health infrastructure and services; as well as unawareness of the family planning options. Pregnancies within the first 12 months after birth may lead to poor outcomes to the mother and child. The purpose of this study was to determine the factors associated with uptake of postpartum family planning methods.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 210 postpartum women aged between 15 and 50 years. Data was collected using structured questionnaires and focus group discussion. Analysis was done using descriptive and chi square test for comparison while; qualitative data was analyzed using Atlas.ti 6.2 software by a grounded theory approach.
Results: The prevalence of postpartum family planning was 46.8% with the majority of the women aged between 25 and 29 years. The significant factors (p < 0.05) were age, education and employment. The most commonly known method of family planning was oral pills but the most used was the implants. Social networks were also a significant factor in the uptake of postpartum family planning.
Conclusions: Most postpartum women were using postpartum contraceptive methods different from their preferred ones, which is a clear reflection of wide gaps in prenatal contraceptive counselling and availability of the methods of family planning