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Background: Despite progress in national reproductive health, pastoralist regions, including the Fentale District in Eastern Ethiopia, face challenges with limited contraceptive coverage due to gaps in understanding and adoption among couples. Methods: This cross-sectional study of 1496 couples in Fentale District, Eastern Ethiopia, from October 1 to December 25, 2021, utilized multistage sampling. Data entered into EPI Data underwent analysis with SPSS (v23.0) and STATA (v14.0), employing descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and binary logistic regression to identify predictors of contraceptive knowledge. Results: Of the 1496 couples, 93.8% (1404) participated in the survey. Significant educational disparities were observed, with 53.8% having no formal education, particularly among women (65.2%). Despite this, 80.2% of couples were aware of at least one family planning (FP) method, and 78.6% knew modern methods. The median knowledge of contraception methods was 3 for both genders. Men showed higher awareness of male (43.2%) and female condoms (17.4%) compared to women (31.8% and 6.0%). Overall, 27.4% of couples used contraception, with a significant gender difference: 41.2% of women and 13.5% of men. Modern contraceptives were used by 18.2% of couples, predominantly by women (34.8%). Binary logistic regression analysis indicated positive associations between contraceptive knowledge and education, bank account ownership, occupation, proximity to healthcare, and media exposure, while a nomadic-pastoralist lifestyle and specific treatment preferences showed negative associations. Conclusion: The limited knowledge and utilization of family planning in the Fentale District stem from gaps in comprehension and disparities among couples. Factors influencing this situation include socio-demographic considerations, such as variations based on education, occupation, media exposure, bank account ownership, treatment preferences, and distance from healthcare facilities. This ensures that the interventions are having the desired effect and allows for adjustments as needed to promote family planning uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite progress in national reproductive health programs, pastoralist regions like Fentale District in Eastern Ethiopia face challenges with low contraceptive coverage, attributed to insufficient positive attitudes and uptake among couples. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1 to December 25, 2021, in Fentale District, Eastern Ethiopia. It involved 1,496 couples selected using multistage sampling. Data were entered into EPI Data and analyzed with SPSS (v23.0) and STATA (v14.0), employing descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and binary logistic regression to identify predictors of contraceptive attitudes and use. Results: The study's response rate was 93.8%, with 1,404 pastoralist couples participating, equally split between women and men. A nomadic-pastoralist lifestyle was common (64.6%), and family planning discussions were rare (93.2%). Gender disparities in contraceptive attitudes and use were evident. Contraception use was reported by 27.4%, with women (41.2%) outnumbering men (13.5%). Women showed more positive attitudes towards contraception (87.9% vs. 31.9% for men). Only 33% had favorable attitudes towards different contraceptive methods, with women more likely to be positive. Modern contraception use was low (18.2%), with women (34.8%) predominating over men (1.7%). Among users, women had a more favorable attitude (78.5% vs. 6.6% for men). Health extension workers were key information providers. Predictors of contraceptive attitudes and use included sex, education, occupation, electronic device ownership, migration frequency, treatment preferences, and family planning discussions. Conclusion: The limited positive attitude towards and use of family planning in Fentale District may stem from unfavorable attitudes, low adoption, and couple disparities. Key factors include gender, education, occupation, electronic device ownership, migration, treatment preferences, and family planning discussions. Targeted educational campaigns for men are needed to address these issues and reduce the gender gap in contraceptive attitudes and use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]