Tsegahun Worku Brhanie and Mequanent Tsegaye Asires
Background: The population of the world is increasing from day to day especially in developing countries like Ethiopia. The highest maternal and child morbidity and mortality rates associated with child bearing, pregnancies and abortion in such countries are the main problems. Objective: The study had been done to determine prevalence of modern contraception, roles of males and religious leaders on contraception as well as to identify limitations. Method: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted in Merawi town, Mecha woreda, west Gojjam zone, north western Ethiopia, from January to May 2012. A total of 353 women from the target population (15-49 years of age) living in Merawi were interviewed with questionnaire. Knowledge, attitude and practice on contraception were evaluated. Statistical analysis were done by using SPSS version 16.0 Results: The contraceptive prevalence rate was found to be 65.2%. About 79% of the users were living with their sexual partners. More than 50.4% of the modern contraceptive users were in the age group of 15-26 years. Factors enhancing contraceptive utilization were the following: Spacing (85.6%), and limiting number of children (4.8%). Women of 11 (8.9%) by opposition of their partners and 5 women (4.1%) by opposition of religion and religious leaders. Conclusion and recommendation: Prevalence of contraceptive utilization was low, since there are factors hindering it. Therefore, the government as well as nongovernmental organization should create more community awareness on contraceptive usage and family planning.