LONG TO SHORT TERM CONTRACEPTIVE METHOD SHIFTING AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG REPRODUCTIVE AGE WOMEN IN GONDAR CITY, NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA, 2018

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