Research “Factors affecting postpartum intention to use contraceptives in Wadajir, Mogadishu, Somalia”

BACKGROUND: Family planning is typically given less priority by policymakers, service providers, and users. Family planning is widely acknowledged as a women's and children's health-improving and life-saving intervention. Due to the dearth of accurate and up-to-date national data on Somali women of reproductive age's postpartum intention to use contraception, this research aimed to assess the factors affecting postpartum women's intention to use contraceptives in Mogadishu, Somalia. METHODS: This hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study used quantitative data collection among 334 reproductive-aged women (19-49 years). Participants were selected by simple random sampling from two Wadajir health centers and Banadir Hospital. Women aged 19-49 years who were postpartum within the previous 12 months and who consented to participate were included. Women who delivered more than 12 months prior, were too ill to participate, or did not provide consent were excluded. Five trained research assistants collected the data. Quantitative data were coded, entered, and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26. Descriptive statistics, frequencies, percentages, means, and medians were generated and presented in tables and graphs. RESULTS: Of 334 women approached, 332 consented (response rate: 99.4%). The median age was 25.5 years (IQR: 23-31). Only 44.9% (95% CI: 39.5-50.3) had ever heard of modern contraceptives. Postpartum contraceptive use was reported by 37.7% of participants. The most commonly used methods were progestogen-only pills (22.4%) and combined oral contraceptives (18.4%). Despite low awareness, 87.3% expressed readiness to use modern contraceptives. Intention to use contraception was significantly associated with type of marital union and perceived importance of partner discussion. CONCLUSION: Awareness of modern contraceptives among postpartum women in Mogadishu remains limited; however, readiness to use them is high. Marital structure and partner communication play significant roles in contraceptive intention. Strengthening culturally sensitive counseling and promoting male involvement may improve postpartum contraceptive uptake in Somalia.