Among many other factors, inter-spousal communication, contraceptive use approval, and partner support significantly influence the utilization and continued use of family planning. However, there is limited evidence on the use of behavior change models to structure contraceptive education. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of contraceptive education on inter-spousal communication, partner’s contraceptive use approval, and support among married couples in Jimma Zone, Southwest Ethiopia. A community-based quasi-experimental study was conducted among married couples (control = 383; intervention = 383). Participants currently using contraceptives were selected from family planning registration book of Kebeles; health posts, Data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered questionnaire by trained data collectors and analyzed using SPSS version 23.0. The data were analyzed using a random-effect mixed-model statistical method. The random-effect mixed-model logistic regression analysis showed that participants in the intervention kebeles had 3.6 times higher odds of improved communication at end line compared to those in the control kebeles OR = 3.6; 95% CI: 2.90–4.50; P < 0.001, after adjusting for baseline differences and kebele-level clustering. Approval increased by 90% in the intervention group compared to the control group over time OR = 1.90; 95% CI: 1.50–2.40; P < 0.001. Similarly, participants in the intervention group had 3.1 times higher odds of supporting contraceptive use at end line compared to the control group OR = 3.1; 95% CI: 2.50–3.85; P < 0.001, controlling for kebele-level clustering. Higher levels of inter-spousal communication, partner’s contraceptive use approval, and support were reported in the intervention group compared to the control group. The use of a structured behavioral model in family planning education, along with male involvement, improves spousal discussion, approval, and support for contraceptive use, thereby enabling couples to use family planning more effectively. The trial was registered retrospectively with a unique identification number of PACTR202107529608380. Date: March 22, 2021.
Yadassa et al. (Mon,) studied this question.