Magnitude and Factors Affecting Long-acting Reversible Contraceptive Utilization among Reproductive Age Women in Silti District, Southern Ethiopia.

Background: Worldwide the utilization of long-acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods has been suggested as the first-line; extremely effective choices for prevention of pregnancy. However, in developing countries including Ethiopia many women use the short-acting contraceptives. This study intended to assess the magnitude and factors affecting LARC utilization among reproductive age women in Silti District, Southern Ethiopia. Method: A community-based cross-sectional study was applied on 528 women using a systematic sampling technique in the period May 1-30, 2018. The data were collected by a pre-tested and structured questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi-data (version3.1) and analyzed through SPSS (version 22). A multivariable logistic regression was utilized to ascertain the associated of LARC utilization at 95% confidence interval. P-value <0.05 was taken as a cut of point to declare the level of statistical significance. Results: The overall prevalence of LARC was 18.3%. The significantly associated factors of LARC were; maternal educational level of college and above (AOR=4.4, 95% CI:1.48-12.99), having positive attitude towards LARC (AOR=1.76, 95% CI:1.01-3.04), having a moderate and high level of knowledge towards LARC(AOR=2.09, 95%CI: 1.15-3.80) and(AOR=2.28, 95% CI:1.15-4.5), respectively. Conclusions: The uptake of LARC was still underused in the study setting. Maternal educational status, having a moderate and high level of knowledge besides to a positive attitude towards LARC was found to have a significant association with the uptake of LARC. Improving educational status of the mothers, advancing their knowledge and creating a positive attitude towards LARC are very important to raise LARC utilization.