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

Background

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.

Awareness Towards Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) and Its Prevention Methods in Selected Sites in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia: A Quick, Exploratory, Operational Assessment

Background

The novel corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) presents an important and urgent threat to global health and its effect is expected to get even worse in the middle- and low-income countries where the health system is weak and fragile. Timely access to accurate information and public awareness on prevention methods is one of the feasible interventions in these countries. Identifying level of public awareness on disease prevention is important to mitigate the pandemic. The aim of this study was to explore the level of awareness and prevention methods of COVID-19 among residents in Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A qualitative study using a qualitative descriptive approach was conducted. Community members engaged in different service sectors were selected purposively. A total of 22 in-depth interviews were done. The transcripts were imported into OpenCode version 4.02 software packages. A qualitative thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data.

Results

The findings revealed that 95.5% of the participants had heard about the disease COVID-19 and realized common modes of transmission. Some participants linked the disease with resentment of God on people or anger of God towards human kind. Importance of consuming hot drinks, ginger or garlic to prevent the disease was reported by participants. Negative attitude towards quarantine and isolation centers and stigmatizing people with a cough were documented in this assessment. Stigma and fear of isolation centers may prevent people from reporting the symptom of the disease and this can create favorable ground for the transmission. Challenges like problem of consistent availability of water supply, affordability of materials used to keep hygiene by rural poor, and keeping physical distancing in different public gathering places were reported.

Conclusion

Concerned bodies need to address gaps in public awareness by providing health education and continuous awareness creation.