Factors associated with the use of Long acting Reversible Contraceptive methods among Women of Reproductive Age attending Family Planning Clinics in Jinja district

Abstract

Background: Long Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARC) methods are highly effective, however, the utilization of LARC in Uganda is low (13%). Objective: To assess the factors associated with the use of long acting reversible contraceptives among women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) in Jinja district Methods: We conducted a facility based cross-sectional study. A total of 314 women aged 15–49 yearsattending public health facilities (1 hospital and 3 health center IVs) in Jinja district, were randomly selected. A total of 6 Key informant and 6 in-depth interviews were conducted. Logistic regression analysis was conducted using Stata version 14. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: The study found that 40.45%of the respondents had ever used LARC. The commonest LARC method used was implants (38.22%). The factors significantly associated with use of LARC were employment (AOR =2.91; 95% CI (1.05-8.08), access to LARC methods (AOR =4.48; 95% CI (1.24-16.21), husband support (AOR =4.90; 95% CI (1.56-15.41) and experience of no side effects (AOR =3.48; 95% CI (1.00-12.19). Conclusion and recommendations: The study showed that 4 in 10 women of the respondents in Jinja district were using LARC. The factors associated with LARC use were employment, husband support, access to LARC methods and lack of side effects. There is need to strengthen client education, improve accessibility to LARC methods at all levels of health centers, improve male partner’s decision making in LARC use and manage the side effects effectively.