Background: contraceptive method mix is severely skewed in Ethiopia, where short acting dominantly used by many women. Despite of encouraging progress in contraceptive use, contraceptive method mix still remains highly skewed. So far, no research has conducted in emerging regions to explore method mix, hence, the aim of this study was to assess method mix and determinant factors in four emerging regions.

Methods: community based cross-sectional design was used to interview 2919 sample women. First, 23 Woredas were selected by lottery method (20% of all exist Woredas). Secondly, 115 kebeles selected (five kebele from each selected Woreda) were included. Lastly 230 enumeration areas (2 from each selected kebele) were selected. We use closed-ended survey tool which is developed by investigators. Extensive training, pre-test, electronic data collection and close supervision were applied to ensure data quality. STATA version 14 was used to analyze data and four outcome variables- non user, traditional, SAC and LARC user. Multinomial logistic regression was applied & P-value less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Result: A total of 2891 participants interviewed (643, 794, 752, 702 from Afar, Benshangul Gumuz, Gambela & Somali region respectively). With 22.2% contraceptive prevalence rate, method mix was highly skewed towards short acting contraceptive (SAC) (67.8%).  Depo provera (DP) and Implants users were 57%, & 25.2% respectively. SAC & LARC use was associated with being Christian, discussing with partner, comprehend benefit of FP, and supportive partner attitude. In addition, favorable attitude was strong predictor of SAC use; mother with primary and secondary education were more likely to use LARC. wanting additional child and desiring high ideal children negatively associate with SAC and LARC use.  High income, having high live children, and comprehend benefit of FP associated with traditional FP use.

Conclusion and recommendation:

Contraceptive method mixes were highly skewed towards SAC (67.8%). Different socio-demographic variables such as age, religion, education, income, knowledge, attitude, number of live children, ideal children, and supportive partner attitude were significant factors associated with SAC & LARC use. Community based information communication and education is important to overcome the factors.

Key words: contraceptive method mix, emerging regions, Ethiopia