Factors Associated With Use of Long-acting Reversible Contraceptives Among Women Seeking Family Planning Services at Two Referral Hospitals in Nairobi County, Kenya

Abstract

Background Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) have been proven to be effective in reducing unplanned pregnancies. However, in Kenya, the utilization of LARCs is lower compared to short-acting reversible contraceptives (SARCs). The underlying reasons for this lower prevalence of LARCs use remains poorly understood. Objectives The aim of this study was to establish factors associated with use of LARCs among women seeking family planning services at two referral hospitals in Nairobi County, Kenya. Methods This was a hospital-based unmatched case control study where LARCs users were cases and SARCs users were controls. The study was conducted in Kenyatta National Hospital and Mbagathi Sub-County Hospital. Participants were selected using systematic random sampling at a 1:1 case control ratio (n=206). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was utilized to investigate the effect of the predictors on the odds of LARCs use. Results From the multivariable analysis occupation (aOR=3.87; 95% CI: 1.78-8.40; p=0.001) & (aOR=3.51; 95% CI: 1.36-9.07; p=0.009), level of education (aOR=4.12; 95% CI: 1.51-11.21; p=0.006), desire to have a child in the future (aOR=0.36; 95% CI: 0.16-0.80; p=0.012) and future desired birth interval (aOR=2.94; 95% CI: 1.15-7.50; p=0.006) were identified as significant predictors of use of LARCs. Conclusion The study demonstrated that socio-demographic factors such as level of education and occupation had a statistically significant association with the use of LARCs. Additionally, reproductive factors such as desire to have children and future desired birth interval were statistically associated with use of LARCs. These findings suggest that tailored interventions should be targeted to meet this demographic and reproductive group