Early resumption of postpartum sexual intercourse and its associated risk factors among married postpartum women who visited public hospitals of Jimma zone, Southwest Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Postpartum sexual resumption without the use of contraception is a risk for unintended and closely spaced pregnancies. Although counseling related to the resumption of postpartum sexual intercourse is a key component of postpartum sexual health, it is not widely addressed during the postnatal period. Thus, this study aimed to assess the early resumption of postpartum sexual intercourse and its associated risk factors among married postpartum women who visited public hospitals of Jimma zone, Southwest Ethiopia, for child immunization services.

Methods: The facility-based cross-sectional study design was undertaken, and a systematic random sampling technique was carried out to select 330 participants. Data were collected using a pretested interviewer-administered questionnaire from August to September 2019. Obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. A bivariate analysis was used to determine the significance of the association. Variables that showed association in the bivariate analysis at p-value <0.2 were fitted into a multivariable logistic regression model to control for confounders, and the significance of association was determined at p-value <0.05 with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results: Approximately 53.9% of the respondents practiced early resumption of postpartum sexual intercourse. Factors such as low income (AOR = 0.19 (95% CI = 0.10-.37)), monogamous marriage 3.78(1.32-10.79), practicing sexual intercourse during pregnancy (AOR = 4.55 (95% CI = 1.29-15.97)), a cesarean delivery (AOR = 0.06 95%CI = (0.03-0.15)) and use of contraceptives (AOR = 3.7(95%CI = 1.92-7.14)) were significantly associated with early resumption of postpartum sexual intercourse.

Conclusion and recommendation: The findings of this study suggested that, most postpartum mothers resumed sexual intercourse during the early postpartum period and its associated risk factors include low income, monogamous marriage, practicing sexual intercourse during pregnancy, cesarean delivery, and use of contraceptives. Discussion with couples about postpartum sexual health during the antenatal and postnatal period is crucial to prevent unwanted pregnancies and adverse health outcomes.