Abstract:
Introduction: Method shifting is a change of methods from more effective long acting
less effective short acting contraceptive methods. This exposes women for unplanned
pregnancy. Long acting reversible contraceptive methods are more efficacious, more
cost effective and better tolerable than short term methods, and also the effectiveness
are independent on user抯 characteristics.
Objective: To assess the proportion and associated factors of method shifting from long
term to short term family planning in Gondar city from 27/11/2017-30/12/2018.
Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study was conducted from 27/11/201730/12/2018
among reproductive age women of long term family planning users with 407
sample size. Systematic random sampling was used. Result was analyzed using SPSS
version 20. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to investigate factors
associated with method shifting. The Adjusted Odds Ratio
Results a total of 390 women participated with a response rate of 95%. The overall
proportion of method shifting from long to short acting family planning methods were
48.5%
Conclusion In this study method shifting from long to short term family planning was
high compared to other study done in Ethiopia. Educational status, reason for family
planning use, information about long term family planning methods and counseling
about long term family planning methods during ANC visits were significantly associated
with method shifting. Therefore to minimize method shifting emphasizing on information,
education and counseling about long term family planning especially at school and
media mandatory.
Key words: - Method shifting, Gondar, long acting & associated factors
