Factors Influencing Contraceptive Utilisation Among Postpartum Adolescent Mothers: a Cross Sectional Study at China-uganda Friendship Hospital

Abstract

Abstract Background Globally, modern contraceptives remain underutilized among postpartum mothers resulting in the rise of short interpregnancy intervals. This is even severe in low-income countries where health information access regarding such interventions is limited, undermining their uptake. While there are a range of other factors that can influence the uptake of such services, understanding of the significance of their influence is critical in public health programming. This study sought to analyze maternal and health facility factors influencing the utilization of contraceptives among postpartum mothers in urban areas of Uganda. Methods In the year 2023, we conducted a health facility-based survey in urban areas of Kampala, Uganda using cross sectional study design approaches. A total of 332 women aged between 15 and22 years were randomly selected for the interviews using semi-structured interview questionnaires. We used descriptive statistics, multivariable logistic and multinomial regression to compare age, occupation, women’s preferred contraceptive, distance from a health facility, service payment, as potential factors influencing uptake and utilization of family planning methods. Results An overall 28.3% utilization of contraceptives was realized in the current study. The majority of the respondents 98 (29.52) were within the age group of 17–18 years and unmarried 76.81%(255/332). Significantly associated factors were; income below UgX. 500,000 (p = 0.002), housewife and student (p = 0.006). Conclusions Basing on the low contraceptive utilization, understanding the attitudes and views of postpartum teenagers regarding contraception is crucial for creating effective intervention, given the negative effects of adolescent pregnancy. Adolescent mothers are a challenging demographic to interact with, therefore focus groups with them offer a forum for delving into this intricate problem.