Determinants Affecting the Acceptance of Postpartum Family Planning Among Women of Reproductive Age in Mogadishu, Somalia

Background Postpartum family planning (PPFP) is essential for lowering maternal and infant mortality rates while enhancing women's health (Smith et al., 2019). Despite its critical importance, the adoption of PPFP remains alarmingly low in Mogadishu, Somalia (Ali & Ahmed, 2021). This study seeks to identify the key factors that influence the uptake of PPFP among women of reproductive age in the region.  Objectives The primary aim is to investigate the socio-demographic, cultural, and healthcare-related factors that affect the adoption of postpartum family planning among women in Mogadishu, Somalia.  Methodology A cross-sectional study was carried out involving women aged 15-49 in Mogadishu. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from a sample of 400 women who had given birth in the past two years. The study employed both quantitative and qualitative methods to provide a holistic understanding of the factors influencing PPFP adoption. Statistical analyses, including logistic regression, were conducted to assess the significance of various factors (Johnson et al., 2020).  Findings The study identified several critical factors impacting the adoption of PPFP. Socio-demographic characteristics such as age, educational attainment, and marital status were found to significantly influence usage rates (Khan et al., 2022). Cultural beliefs and prevalent misconceptions regarding family planning methods emerged as significant barriers to adoption (Farah, 2020). Furthermore, access to healthcare services and the quality of postpartum counseling were crucial in facilitating the uptake of PPFP. Women with higher educational levels and those who received thorough postpartum counseling exhibited a stronger propensity to adopt PPFP methods (Omar & Yusuf, 2023).  Conclusion The adoption of postpartum family planning among women in Mogadishu is shaped by a complex interplay of socio- demographic, cultural, and healthcare-related factors. To improve the uptake of PPFP, it is essential to implement targeted interventions focused on enhancing educational outreach, addressing cultural misconceptions, and improving the quality of postpartum healthcare services (Elmi, 2021).  Recommendations Educational outreach should involve developing community-based programs that educate women about the benefits and methods of postpartum family planning, specifically tailored to local cultural contexts (Said et al., 2023). Additionally, there is a need to address cultural misconceptions by initiating campaigns that challenge and change beliefs surrounding family planning, utilizing local leaders and influencers to foster acceptance (Mohamed, 2022). Enhancing healthcare services is also crucial; this includes improving access to quality healthcare and ensuring that postpartum counseling is comprehensive and sensitive to the needs of women (Hassan, 2021). Finally, training for healthcare providers should be prioritized, equipping them with the necessary skills to deliver effective and empathetic postpartum counseling, thereby increasing the likelihood of PPFP adoption (Gedi, 2022).