Postpartum Contraceptive Use in Sub-Saharan Africa

Description

Postpartum contraception helps reduce maternal and infant mortality by preventing unplanned and unwanted pregnancies and by promoting birth intervals of at least two years. It is commonly integrated into reproductive, maternal, and child health programs. This study used a systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) to estimate the pooled prevalence of contraceptive use among postpartum women in low-income countries of sub-Saharan Africa. The SRMA protocol was registered on PROSPERO, multiple databases were searched, and STATA 14 was used. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger’s test, heterogeneity was evaluated, and a random-effects model estimated pooled prevalence. A total of 33 articles were included. The pooled prevalence was 37.41%. Determinants of utilization were secondary & higher education, discussion with husband, resumption of menses, ANC follow-up, knowledge of modern family planning, and family planning counselling during ANC. Since postpartum contraceptive use was low compared with worldwide recommendations, the study recommends improving education and counselling (especially through focused ANC).