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. 2024 Sep 26;19(9):e0308633.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308633. eCollection 2024.

Addressing disparity in attitudes and utilization of family planning among married couples in the pastoralist community of Fentale District, Eastern Ethiopia

Sena Adugna Beyene  1   2 , Sileshi Garoma  3 , Tefera Belachew  4
Affiliations

Addressing disparity in attitudes and utilization of family planning among married couples in the pastoralist community of Fentale District, Eastern Ethiopia

Sena Adugna Beyene et al. PLoS One. .

Abstract

Background: Despite progress in national reproductive health programs, pastoralist regions like Fentale District in Eastern Ethiopia face challenges with low contraceptive coverage, attributed to insufficient positive attitudes and uptake among couples.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1 to December 25, 2021, in Fentale District, Eastern Ethiopia. It involved 1,496 couples selected using multistage sampling. Data were entered into EPI Data and analyzed with SPSS (v23.0) and STATA (v14.0), employing descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and binary logistic regression to identify predictors of contraceptive attitudes and use.

Results: The study's response rate was 93.8%, with 1,404 pastoralist couples participating, equally split between women and men. A nomadic-pastoralist lifestyle was common (64.6%), and family planning discussions were rare (93.2%). Gender disparities in contraceptive attitudes and use were evident. Contraception use was reported by 27.4%, with women (41.2%) outnumbering men (13.5%). Women showed more positive attitudes towards contraception (87.9% vs. 31.9% for men). Only 33% had favorable attitudes towards different contraceptive methods, with women more likely to be positive. Modern contraception use was low (18.2%), with women (34.8%) predominating over men (1.7%). Among users, women had a more favorable attitude (78.5% vs. 6.6% for men). Health extension workers were key information providers. Predictors of contraceptive attitudes and use included sex, education, occupation, electronic device ownership, migration frequency, treatment preferences, and family planning discussions.

Conclusion: The limited positive attitude towards and use of family planning in Fentale District may stem from unfavorable attitudes, low adoption, and couple disparities. Key factors include gender, education, occupation, electronic device ownership, migration, treatment preferences, and family planning discussions. Targeted educational campaigns for men are needed to address these issues and reduce the gender gap in contraceptive attitudes and use.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflicts interest.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Illustrates the schematic presentation of the sampling procedure conducted among married couples in the pastoralist community of Fentale District, Eastern Ethiopia, from October 1 to December 25, 2021.
Fig 2
Fig 2. Current use of modern contraceptives and any types of contraception among couples in Fentale District, Eastern Ethiopia.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Favorable attitude of contraception among couples using contraception and comprehensive favorable attitude at study period, Fentale District, Eastern Ethiopia.
Fig 4
Fig 4. Distribution of information sources among couples in Fentale District, Eastern Ethiopia, and October 1 to December 25 2021.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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