Abstract
ABSTRACTAn estimated 23 million adolescent girls age 15–19 in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have an unmet need for contraception. Despite the recognised importance of expanding access to appropriate methods of contraceptives for adolescents in LMICs, the evidence base on their total demand for contraception is limited, and there is no consensus on how to measure this important phenomenon. The aim of this study was to review the published literature in order to better understand the level of adolescent demand for contraception in LMICs and to explore what demand-related indicators are being measured. A total of 1375 articles were identified and 18 met the inclusion criteria. Included studies reported findings from 29 LMICs, revealing high adolescent demand for contraception. The demand for contraception among adolescents and young women ranged from 22% among married adolescents in Azerbaijan to 98% in Peru. However, measures of this phenomenon were limited, with most studies only reporting current contraceptive use or unmet need. Most studies relied on cross-sectional data, and young, unmarried, and male adolescents were largely excluded. We make several recommendations for alternative approaches for a more comprehensive understanding of adolescent demand for contraception in LMICs.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.