Background: Ethiopia is the second-most populous country in Africa, known for its high fertility and low contraceptive use. The magnitude of contraceptive use in the emerging regions of the country is below the national average. However, there is a paucity of evidence regarding the reasons for low contraceptive use in these regions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess contraceptive use and associated factors in the emerging regions of Ethiopia.

Methods: For the quantitative part, a community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 2891 reproductive-age women who were selected by multistage sampling technique. Data were collected face to face using an open data kit software, and STATA version 14 was used for data analysis. Frequencies, percentages, summary measures, and tables were used to summarize and present the data. Bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with contraceptive use, by computing the odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval. The level of significance was considered at a p-value < 0.05. For the qualitative part, a phenomenological study was conducted among 252 health care workers and community members who were selected purposely. The data were collected through focused group discussions, in-depth interviews, and key informant interviews. The data were audio-recorded in the local languages and then translated to English verbatim. NVivo version 11 was used to analyze the data through a thematic analysis method.

Results: The overall contraceptive prevalence rate was 22.2%; with 11.7, 38.6, 25.5, and 8.8% for Afar, Benshangul Gumuz, Gambela, and Somali Regions, respectively. Age, religion, education, marital status, family size, ideal children, knowledge, and attitude were significantly associated with contraceptive use. Additionally, the qualitative study identified three themes as barriers to contraceptive use: individual, health care system, and sociocultural factors.

Conclusions: Contraceptive prevalence rate was low in this study compared to the national average. Age, religion, education, marital status, family size, ideal children, knowledge, and attitude were significantly associated with contraceptive use. From the qualitative aspect, the individual, health care system, and sociocultural factors were identified as barriers to contraceptive use. Therefore, the emerging regions of Ethiopia need special focus on increasing contraceptive use through behavioral influence/change.

• Contraceptive prevalence rate
• Emerging regions
• Ethiopia
• Reproductive age women
• mixed-method study
• multistage sampling

Not mentioned by the Authors

This study dataset includes information on sociodemographic characteristics such as region, age, residence, educational status, partners' education status, Family monthly income, employment status, marital status, religion, family size, and access to communication media.

Related to reproductive history such as the Ideal number of children, ever had sexual intercourse, age at first sex, last pregnancy wanted, the total number of pregnancies, ever face abortion, ever face stillbirth, last pregnancy status, the number of pregnancies so far, the number of live children and the number of women’s wants to have additional children.

Knowledge of contraceptive methods related variables such as now at least one contraceptive method, know male condom, know pill, know injectable, know IUD, know implants, know tubal ligation, know vasectomy, Female condom, Know LAM, know the rhythm, know withdrawal, know emergency contraceptive, good overall knowledge (composite) and Source of contraceptive information, and attitude of contraceptive methods related variables also as follow the discussion with one’s partner on FP, Discussion with family/relative, discussion with friends, contraception has a benefit for women, Large family size affects economic condition negatively, Large family size earns respect by the husband, large family size earns the respect of the community, large family size earns respect by a religious leader, large family size affects maternal and child health, and Overall attitude (composite).

Copy url