Lived Experience of Women Who Underwent Early Removal of Long-Acting Family Planning Methods in Bedesa Town, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A Phenomenological Study

Abstract

Mohammed Suleiman Obsa,1 Kassahun Tekle Takiso,2 Tamiru Tilahun Ayele,1 Hailu Chare Koyra,3 Kassahun Tafesse Hidoto,4 Getahun Getahun Molla Shanka,2 Lolemo Kelbiso Hanfore,5 Mihiretu Alemayehu Arba,4 Antehun Alemayehu Anjulo,6 Melkamu Worku Kercho,7 Zewde Zema3 1Department of Anesthesia, Wolaita Soddo University, Wolaita Soddo, Ethiopia; 2School of Medicine, Wolaita Soddo University, Wolaita Soddo, Ethiopia; 3Department of Pharmacy, Wolaita Soddo University, Wolaita Soddo, Ethiopia; 4School of Public Health, Wolaita Soddo University, Wolaita Soddo, Ethiopia; 5Department of Nursing, Wolaita Soddo University, Wolaita Soddo, Ethiopia; 6Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Wolaita Soddo University, Wolaita Soddo, Ethiopia; 7Department of Midwifery, Wolaita Soddo University, Wolaita Soddo, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Mohammed Suleiman ObsaDepartment of Anesthesia, Wolaita Soddo University, P.O. Box: 138, Wolaita Soddo, EthiopiaTel [phone]Email [email protected]: 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.Keywords: long-acting family planning method, early removal, phenomenology, Bedesa

Keywords

• long-acting family planning method
• early removal
• phenomenology
• bedesa