Prevalence of long acting reversible contraceptives utilization and associated factors among Ethiopian women: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Abstract Background Contraception has become an essential, safe and cost effective component in the lives of women of reproductive age since it avoids the depletion of maternal nutritional reserves and lowers the risk of anaemia caused by many pregnancies and deliveries. Objective The aim of the study was to determine the pooled prevalence of long acting reversible contraceptive utilization and associated factors among Ethiopian women. Methods Systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using PRISMA flow diagram to initially identify (n = 435 databases) and (n = 5 registers). We searched different databases (Pub Med, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) to access published articles between 2017 to March 2022. Heterogeneity between studies was measured using 12 indexes and subgroup analysis was done to determine the possible causes of heterogeneity. Results A total of 440 studies identified and 75 were included in a full review. Only 27 studies met the inclusion criteria. Long-acting reversible contraceptives users were identified in 3,588 of the 12,741 women studied, making a 29% overall prevalence (95% CI: 26–32). With considerable heterogeneity (X2 = 505.29, P = 0.001, I2 = 94.85%), the estimated prevalence differed significantly between studies. The odds of using Long acting reversible contraceptive was four times higher among those who have had previous history of LARC utilization (P = 0.001, 95% CI 2.55, 4.57), women with a positive attitude towards birth control (P = 0.001, 95% CI 1.5–2.3), and having good knowledge (p = 0.001, 95% CI 1.16–1.98) were two times more likely to use LARC compared to their counter parts Conclusion Prevalence of Long acting reversible contraceptive was low among Ethiopian women 29% (95%CI (26–32 ). Previous Long acting reversible contraceptive use, positive attitude towards birth control, and having good knowledge were independent predictors of LARC utilization.