Introduction Despite a notable increase in the overall contraceptive prevalence in Ethiopia in the past two decades, the utilisation of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) is persistently low. This study aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the perceptions held by community groups, IUCD users and healthcare providers to support efforts to address the existing gap in service uptake. Methods Exploratory descriptive qualitative research design was conducted between 1 September 2024 and 1 October 2024, in Sodo town. A maximum variation sample of 23 study participants was recruited using a purposive sampling technique. A total of 16 in-depth interviews (IDIs) and 7 key informant interviews were audio-taped and transcribed verbatim. A semistructured IDI guide and a field book were used. Thematic analysis was conducted via Colaizzi’s seven-step data analysis framework, and the open code software V.4.03 was used for data analysis and management. Results Five main themes and 12 subthemes emerged from the study. The identified themes include poor knowledge of IUCD, male partners’ involvement in decision-making, perceptions and perspectives on IUCD, users’ experiences and realities and optimising IUCD service uptake. Findings from this study revealed that the use of the IUCD method was not solely dependent on the women’s choice. Conclusion The study shows that awareness and acceptability of IUCD remain low, mainly due to prevailing misconceptions, constrained male partner engagement in family planning decision making and service delivery-related gaps. However, participants who used the method reported positive experiences, citing its long-term use, fewer side effects and non-hormonal nature, well-suited to their working conditions and lifestyle. These findings underscore the need for targeted awareness creation initiatives, deliberate male partner engagement, strengthened healthcare leadership and coherent policy actions to improve IUCD service uptake.
Dubale et al. (Wed,) studied this question.