Using Longitudinal Data to Evaluate the Effect of Quality of Maternal Health Services on Postpartum Family Planning Behavior in Ethiopia

Linnea Zimmerman , Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Solomon Shiferaw, Addis Ababa University
Assefa Seme, Addis Ababa University
Saifuddin Ahmed, Johns Hopkins University

Background: Approximately 60% of postpartum women in low and middle income countries are not using effective contraception. Objective To assess whether more exposure to PPFP counseling as part of ANC and PNC services resulted in higher rates of contraceptive uptake in the first 6 months postpartum. Methodology A longitudinal survey was conducted with 321 pregnant women in 44 enumeration areas in SNNP Region in Ethiopia. Women were interviewed at seven days, six weeks, and six months postpartum using identical questions. Unweighted parametric survival regression analysis with Weibull distribution were used to assess the hazards of modern contraceptive use. Results More frequent counseling incorporated into MNH services is associated with higher rates of contraceptive uptake. Women who received PPFP counseling in both ANC and PNC had the highest rates of contraceptive uptake relative to women who received PPFP counseling in only one service or who did not receive it at all.

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 Presented in Session 129. Fertility, Family Planning, and Reproductive Health: Programs and Quality of Care