Abstract
Lack of timely initiating of postpartum contraceptive utilization may lead to mistimed, unintended pregnancies and even become dying as a result of complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. To the best of our knowledge, we have not found enough evidence on the associated factors of timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization in the rural setting of Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization and associated factors among women of childbearing age in Sebat Hawas, Oromia, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 30 to May 20, 2022. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the participants. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify associated factors. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to measure the strength of the association. A P-value <0.05 was declared as a statistically significant association. All analysis was performed using SPSS. A total of 804 participants were included in this study. Overall, the prevalence of timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization was 38.6%. In the multivariable models, illiterate women (Adjusted Odd Ratio (AOR): 0.57; 95% CI: 0.35-0.94), with less than 3000 ETB monthly income (AOR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.22-0.79), counseling on family planning (AOR: 3.75, 95% CI: 1.59-8.83), Menses returned time (AOR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.15-4.72) and discussion with husband on family planning (AOR: 3.07, 95% CI: 1.61-5.84) were significantly associated with timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization. The findings of this study suggested that the prevalence of timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization was low. Illiterate women, with low monthly income, counseling on family planning, menses returned time, and discussion with their husbands on family planning was the main determinant factors for timely initiation of postpartum contraceptive utilization.