RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Long-acting family planning method (LAFP) is a low-cost yet effective method of reducing maternal mortality, limiting and spacing childbirth. In Ethiopia, the family planning prevalence rate rises from 15% in 2005 to 36% in 2016. However, the discontinuation rate of LAFP is still high in the region. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of women who underwent early removal of long-acting family planning methods in Bedesa town, Southern Ethiopia. METHODS: An interpretative phenomenological study design was employed. Women aged 15-49 years who removed LAFP therapy in the past 12 months were our sampled population. Data were collected through in-depth interviews (IDIs) by using open-ended structured interview guide. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 10 participants from the family planning logbook registration of Bedesa health center. The interview continued until information saturation was reached. Open code version 4.03 was used to code and facilitate analysis. Transcripts were read and re-read separately to identify emerging themes. A thematic analysis technique was used. RESULTS: This study revealed that the side effects, seeking more children and the husband's opposition were the main reason for early removal of LAFP. Amongst side effects, heavy and irregular menses were occurred most frequently. Besides, there were various myths and misconceptions about family planning methods. It also noted that the counseling services provided by health professionals were not adequate. CONCLUSION: Side effects, desired to have more children, and the husband's opposition are the most important reason of early removal of LAFP methods. Furthermore, there were misunderstanding, fear and rumors raised by women about each method. Hence, greater public awareness on family planning should be delivered to change community perception on LAFP methods.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Tetanus toxoid immunization is one of the proven strategies for eliminating maternal and neonatal tetanus. According to Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey of 2016, only 49% of mothers received two tetanus toxoid (TT) injections during their last pregnancy which is below the World Health Organization and Ethiopia Ministry of Health recommendation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the status of TT immunization among mothers in Damboya Woreda, South Ethiopia. METHOD: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1 to 26, 2017, in Damboya Woreda. A total of 837 mothers who had given birth in the last 12 months were included in the study. The simple random sampling method was used to select the study participants, and data were collected through an interview using a structured questionnaire. Data were entered into Epi data software version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 22 for further analysis. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of the immunization status of mothers at a 5% significance level. RESULT: The finding of this study revealed that 607 (72.5%) mothers were protected at birth against tetanus. Age of mother who attended elementary school, husbands' education status, visited by HEW's at home, making joint health decision with husband, use of modern family planning method, number of antenatal care visit, and time to reach the nearest health facility were independent predictors of TT immunization status among the mothers. CONCLUSION: Significant proportions of the mothers were not taken at least two doses of TT vaccine which is a minimum dose to prevent maternal or neonatal tetanus. Even though most mothers had access for TT immunization service, they were not immunized with protective doses of TT vaccine.
