Long-acting Reversible Contraceptive Utilization and Its Associated Factors among Family Planning Users in Pastoral Communities of Afar Region, Ethiopia: A Facility-based Crosssectional Study

Background aim: Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) have been very effective in the reduction of unintended pregnancies at least for 3 to 12 years. However, the use of LARC is low in developing countries, including Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess LARC utilization and associated factors among family planning users in public health facilities in the Afar region, northeast Ethiopia. Methods: This facility-based cross-sectional study was carried out on 524 participants using systematic sampling method during December 15 to February 15 in 2018. The data collection was performed using a structured interviewer administered questionnaire. The data were entered into EpiData software (version 3.1) and analyzed using SPSS software (version 21). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the association between the independent variables and outcome variable with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Overall prevalence of LARC utilization was observed to be 33.4%. The factors significantly associated with the utilization were knowledgeability (AOR=2.7; 95% CI: 1.7-4.4), positive attitude toward LARC (AOR=1.5; 95% CI: 1.1-2.3), discussion with husbands about LARC (AOR=2.4; 95% CI: 1.5-3.8), and women s age ≥35 years (AOR=0.3; 95% CI: 0.2-0.7). Conclusion: Utilization of LARC was low in the study area. Factors related to utilization suggested that strengthening maternal knowledge, creating a positive attitude, and encouraging discussion between the husband and wife about LARC are important to increase the use of LARC.