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. 2024 Nov 11;19(11):e0309703.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0309703. eCollection 2024.

Bridging disparity in knowledge and utilization of contraceptive methods among married couples in the pastoralist community of Fentale District, Eastern Ethiopia

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

Bridging disparity in knowledge and utilization of contraceptive methods 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, pastoralist regions, including the Fentale District in Eastern Ethiopia, face challenges with limited contraceptive coverage due to gaps in understanding and adoption among couples.

Methods: This cross-sectional study of 1496 couples in Fentale District, Eastern Ethiopia, from October 1 to December 25, 2021, utilized multistage sampling. Data entered into EPI Data underwent analysis with SPSS (v23.0) and STATA (v14.0), employing descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and binary logistic regression to identify predictors of contraceptive knowledge.

Results: Of the 1496 couples, 93.8% (1404) participated in the survey. Significant educational disparities were observed, with 53.8% having no formal education, particularly among women (65.2%). Despite this, 80.2% of couples were aware of at least one family planning (FP) method, and 78.6% knew modern methods. The median knowledge of contraception methods was 3 for both genders. Men showed higher awareness of male (43.2%) and female condoms (17.4%) compared to women (31.8% and 6.0%). Overall, 27.4% of couples used contraception, with a significant gender difference: 41.2% of women and 13.5% of men. Modern contraceptives were used by 18.2% of couples, predominantly by women (34.8%). Binary logistic regression analysis indicated positive associations between contraceptive knowledge and education, bank account ownership, occupation, proximity to healthcare, and media exposure, while a nomadic-pastoralist lifestyle and specific treatment preferences showed negative associations.

Conclusion: The limited knowledge and utilization of family planning in the Fentale District stem from gaps in comprehension and disparities among couples. Factors influencing this situation include socio-demographic considerations, such as variations based on education, occupation, media exposure, bank account ownership, treatment preferences, and distance from healthcare facilities. This ensures that the interventions are having the desired effect and allows for adjustments as needed to promote family planning uptake.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist

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. Contraceptive knowledge among couples using contraception and comprehensive knowledge at study period, Fentale District, Eastern Ethiopia.
Fig 3
Fig 3. Current use of modern contraceptives and any types of contraception among couples in Fentale Dictrirt, 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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