EARLY RESUMPTION OF SEXUAL INTERCOURSE AND ITS ASSOCIATED FACTORS AMONG POSTPARTUM WOMEN ATTENDING PUBLIC HEALTH FACILITY IN NEKEMTE TOWN, WESTERN ETHIOPIA, 2019.

Abstract

Background: Women in different parts of the world are forced to recommence sexual intercourse early during postpartum to maintain their intimacy and for fulfilling a partner抯 desire. Early resumption of postpartum sexual intercourse leads to sexual health problems and unwanted pregnancy if not complemented with appropriate contraceptive cover. However, sexual practice during early postpartum has received less attention both in clinical and research arena. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess early resumption of sexual intercourse and associated factors among postpartum women attending public health institutions in Nekemte town, Western Ethiopia, 2019. Method: An institution based cross-sectional study was carried out among postpartum women attending public health institutions in Nekemte town from March to April, 2019. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select 528 study participants. Data was coded and entered into Epi. Info 7.2.1 and exported to SPSS version 20.0. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regressions were done. Results: A total of 528 participants were involved in the study with response rate of 96.4 %.The prevalence of early resumption of sexual intercourse was 20.2% with 95% CI (17.1, 23.6).Women with secondary education (AOR=0.22,95%CI:07-0.71), husband with elementary (AOR=0.23,95% CI :0.06-.87), secondary education (AOR=0.25, 95% CI 0.07- 0.88), Para one women (AOR=3.52, 95% CI:1.24,10.01), normal vaginal delivery (AOR=5.44, 95% CI:1.8416.12),

giving birth for male child (AOR=1.94, 95%CI :1.05,3.60), wants to have another child (AOR=5.71, 95% CI:1.89,17.25) and pressure from the husband (AOR=9.89, 95% CI: 4.99,19.58), were significantly associated with early resumption of sexual intercourse. Conclusion and recommendation: Despite early resumption of sexual intercourse among the participants was low; about three-fifth of women who resumed early sexual intercourse did it under contraceptive uncover and cited sexual problems. Therefore, an intervention that focuses on strengthening the integration of postpartum sexual health education and service is recommended. Key words: Early resumption, Sexual intercourse, postpartum women, Ethiopia.