Prevalence and factors associated with Modern Contraceptive use among Postnatal Mothers attending Mukongola general referral Hospital, in South-Kivu, Dr Congo

Abstract

Introduction: Reproductive health is currently considered a priority area worldwide and family planning is one of its essential elements. There is generally limited acceptance of the use of modern contraceptives in sub-Saharan Africa and the DRC is no exception despite 80% of all men and women knowing at least one contraceptive method. As a result, pregnancies in the postpartum period are common posing the greatest risk to women and their infants, with increased risk of adverse health effects. Objectives: This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with modern contraceptive use among postnatal mothers attending Mukongola general referral hospital. Methods: A facility based cross sectional study was conducted among 176 postnatal mothers attending Mukongola general hospital for the immunization of their children. Data collection was done using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done using STATA. Both bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were done to identify factors associated with modern contraceptive use among the postnatal mothers. Results: The study found that the prevalence of modern contraceptive use among postnatal mothers attending Mukongola general hospital was at 15.9%. The factors associated with modern contraceptive use were; secondary level of education and above [AoR=4.43, 95% CI (1.25-15.67) ], easy access to modern contraceptive [AoR= 28.18, 95% CI (2.90-273.26)], discussing with their partner for having his opinion [AoR=5.54, 95% CI (1.99-28.11) ] and discussing with partners on issues concerning number of children/child births [AoR=8.79, 95% CI (1.77-43.77) ]. Conclusions: The prevalence of modern contraceptive use among postnatal mothers was low, indicating that there is a need of specifics interventions in that rural area to avoid consequences which come with low use.