A Survey of Contraceptive Use and Associated Factors among Street Beggar Women in South Ethiopia

Background: According to Ethiopian demographic and health survey 2011, contraceptive acceptance was 29%. But no evidence that shows how much it is in absolutely poorest people and what factors affect their utilization.

Objectives: This study aimed to assess prevalence of contraceptive acceptance, and associated factors among street beggar women in Hawassa town, southern Ethiopia.

Methods: A community based cross- sectional study was carried out among street beggar women from February to March 2013. An interview based pre-tested and structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data collection sites were demarcated into churches, mosques, market areas and women begging on roads. EPI info 3.5.3, and SPSS version 20 were used to enter and analyze the data respectively and descriptive statistic and odds ratio were used to present the data. Binary and multivariate logistic regulations were performed.

Results: Three hundred forty five women participated in the study yielding response rate of 91%. The contraceptive acceptance rate prevalence was 37.4% (95% CI: 20.5, 27.3). Nearly 60% were used injectable contraceptive. Religion (AOR = 11.6, 95%CI: 2.12, 63.62), husband approved utilization (AOR = 7.68, 95%CI: 1.37, 43.15), women who have children after joining street begging (AOR = 10.18, 95%CI: 3.84, 17.26) were significantly associated with contraceptive utilization; but those who sleep at the night on the street use contraceptive less likely (AOR = 0.21, 95%CI: 0.05, 0.92).

Conclusion: This study found high prevalence of the contraceptive acceptance among beggar women in south Ethiopia. Furthermore, the study revealed that the contraceptive acceptance among beggar women is strongly associated with husband approved utilization, women who have children after joining street begging, and women who sleep the night on the street. Therefore, concerned bodies should intervene on these factors.