Abstract

Introduction: Current evidences suggest that substantial numbers of clients are unsatisfied demand for long acting contraceptive methods in sub-Saharan Africa. There is also limited evidence that show demand for long acting contraceptive methods and its associated factors in the region specifically in the study area.
Objective: To assess long acting contraceptive method utilization and associated factors among reproductive age group women who are attending maternal and child health clinic of Ambo town health institutions, west shoa zone, Oromia region, Ethiopia.
Methodology: Facility based cross sectional study design was conducted from November 1 to December 30 of 2013 among 178 sampled women who were attending maternal and child health clinic of Ambo town health institutions. Systematic sampling was used with semi-structured questionnaires for data collection process atan exit interview of the family planning clients.
Results: Out of 178 study participants, only 32 (16.3%) of the respondents were using long acting family planning methods. Among these about 24 (12.2%) and 8 (4.1%) of the respondents were using implants and IUCD methods respectively. Mothers who had primary education were 8 times more likely to use LACMs as compared with those who had no education (AOR=8.1, 95% CI: 1.07, 37.58). Women who had Awareness on LACM were 3 times more likely to use LACM than those who had no awareness on LACM (AOR=2.984, 95% CI: 0.88, 10.117). Women who discussed with their partners were 5 times more likely to use LACMs than those who never discussed with partners (AOR=5.32, 95% CI: 1.488, 19.028).
Conclusion and recommendation: The long term family planning utilization among the respondents were low (16.3%). Therefore, information education communication should focus on all eviating factors hinder from practicing of LAPMs.

Keywords: Long acting contraceptives; Reproductive age group; Health facilities