Utilisation of immediate and early postpartum intrauterine contraceptive devices among adolescents in Mbale City, Eastern Uganda

Background: Uganda is predominantly a young adolescent population and has a very high (74%) rapid repeat adolescent pregnancy (RRAP) rate. The utilisation of immediate and early postpartum intrauterine contraceptive devices (PPIUCD) is the most effective strategy to immensely abate the medical and social consequences associated with adolescent pregnancies. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and factors influencing the utilisation of immediate and early PPIUCD among adolescents in Mbale City, Eastern Uganda. Methods: We used a cross sectional study design with quantitative and qualitative methods. Interviewer administered pretested semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview a sample of 422 participants. Eight key informant interviews were conducted to explore the perceived enablers and barriers to use of immediate and early PPIUCD. Qualitative data was analyzed using deductive thematic analysis. Results: The prevalence of immediate and early PPIUCD utilisation was 2.4% (10/422). Inadequate adolescent knowledge, inadequate mentorship training of health care providers, equipment and infrastructure and myths and misconceptions were perceived to limit uptake of immediate and early PPIUCD. Conclusion: The prevalence of immediate and early PPIUCD utilisation was very low. In-service training of health care workers and effective counseling of adolescents may correct the perceived myths and misconceptions thus increasing uptake of immediate and early PPIUCD. Keywords: Immediate and early postpartum intrauterine contraceptive devices; rapid repeat adolescent pregnancies; postpartum adolescents; key informants; Mbale City.