Abstract / Summary
Abstract Background Modern postpartum contraceptive use is essential for preventing unintended and closely spaced pregnancies, particularly among adolescents. Despite its importance, uptake remains suboptimal globally, especially in low- and middle-income countries, including Uganda. Furthermore, evidence on factors associated with postpartum modern contraceptive uptake among adolescents in Lira District, Northern Uganda, remains limited. Therefore, this study assessed the factors associated with modern contraceptive use among adolescents during the postpartum period in Lira, Northern Uganda. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 420 adolescent mothers aged 14–19 years attending postnatal care and young child clinic services in selected primary health care facilities in Lira District. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and modified Poisson regression. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results The mean age of participants was 18.7 years (SD ± 1.3), and 38.0% reported using modern postpartum contraceptives. Uptake was positively associated with knowledge of postpartum family planning (aPR = 1.92), post-delivery counselling (aPR = 1.60), counselling during young child clinic visits (aPR = 2.52), availability of preferred methods (aPR = 1.95), and partner approval (aPR = 5.67). Breastfeeding (aPR = 0.66) and older age at first pregnancy (15–19 years) (aPR = 0.70) were negatively associated. Conclusion Modern postpartum contraceptive use among adolescents remains suboptimal. Strengthening Integration of Comprehensive adolescent-friendly family planning during postpartum, improving counselling, ensuring method availability and engaging male partners are critical to improving uptake.