Modern contraceptive utilization and associated factors among postpartum women in Kena Woreda, Konso Zone, South Ethiopian Regional State, Ethiopia, 2023: mixed type community based cross-sectional study design.

The prevalence of modern contraceptive use among women during postpartum period in Kena woreda was found to be 39.01% [95% CI: 35.18-42.96%]. Menses resumed (AOR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.02, 2.59), linked to the family planning unit during their child`s immunization (AOR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.45, 3.25), family planning counselling during antenatal care visit (AOR = 1.63; 95% CI: 1.10, 2.42) and good knowledge towards modern contraceptive (AOR = 1.53; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.26) were factors associated with postpartum contraceptive utilization. Partner oppose, myths and misconception, need for excess family size, religious prohibition, fear of side effect,menses not resumed, lack of counselling and privacy room, and lack of transportation to health facility were barriers to modern postpartum contraceptive utilization.   CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: The utilization of postpartum contraceptives was found to be lower than the target set by the 2020/21 national reproductive health strategy plan, which aimed to increase contraceptive method usage to 50%. Menses resumed, family planning counselling during antenatal care visit, linked to the family planning unit during child immunization and good knowledge were factors associated to modern postpartum contraceptive utilization. Strengthening service integration and family planning counseling during antenatal care visits and encourage mothers to start using modern family planning methods before menses resume are important. Overcoming barriers including partner opposition, myths, religious beliefs, fear of side effects, lack of counseling at health facilities, and transportation challenges is essential.