Factors associated with uptake of postpartum family planning services in Dodoma City Council, Tanzania: A cross-section study

Abstract

Background: Postpartum family planning is very essential to mothers’ health. However, its utilization remains low in developing countries.

Objective: To determine the proportion and factors associated with uptake of PPFP services in Dodoma Tanzania.

Methods: A cross-sectional study employing a quantitative approach was conducted among women who gave birth one year before the study period (June 2020) in Dodoma city council. A two-stage sampling technique was employed to recruit a total number of 209 participants. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were entered and cleaned using Epi Info 7 and later exported to and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression models were employed during data analysis. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were computed to identify factors associated with postpartum family planning.

Results: Majority (53.6%) of women used contraceptives within one year after delivery. Three factors were significantly associated with the uptake of postpartum family planning. Lower odds for uptake of PPFP were found among self-employed women (AOR: 0.5, 95% CI 0.25–0.74) and unemployed women (AOR: 0.2, 95% CI 0.05–0.31) when compared with employed women. Using community health fund insurance (AOR: 2.4, 95% CI 1.09–6.42) and National Health Insurance Fund (AOR: 2.7, 95% CI 1.54–5.99) as a mode of payments for health had higher odds for uptake of PPFP compared to cash mode. Women with an adequate number of antenatal care visits had higher odds (AOR: 2.9, 95% CI 1.24–6.89) of uptake of PPFP compared to women with an inadequate number of antenatal care visits.

Conclusion: The uptake of PPFP among women was not adequate and was associated with being employed, being covered by health insurance and adequate antenatal care visits. More interventions are needed to enhance PPFP use among women.