Abstract
This systematic review synthesizes evidence on the impact of conditional and unconditional cash transfers (CCT and UCT) on contraception in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Scientific and gray literature databases were searched from 1994 to 2016 and 11 papers from ten studies were included. Most of the studies had low risk of bias. Cash transfers were used for increasing school attendance or improving health and nutrition, but not directly for contraception. Three studies showed positive impact on contraceptive use and four showed a decrease in fertility outcomes. An increase in childbearing was observed in two studies, and three studies demonstrated no impact on fertility indicators. All studies treated contraceptive use or fertility only as unintended and indirect outcomes. The available evidence on impact of CCT and UCT on contraception is inconclusive due to the limited number of studies, varying outcome measures, and lack of intervention specifically for contraception.
Highlights
This systematic review synthesizes evidence on the impact of conditional and unconditional cash transfers (CCT and UCT) on contraception in lowand middle-income countries
The primary objective of conditional cash transfer (CCT) programs is to alleviate poverty by giving money to poor people in return for fulfilling specific behavioral conditions (Doetinchem et al 2008) such as gaining access to maternal and child health care services and educational opportunities, while unconditional cash transfer (UCT) programs do not require any conditions on the part of recipients (Arnold et al 2011)
The following eligibility criteria were used for preliminarily screening of literature: (1) the title and abstract or executive summary of the paper was available in English, (2) the study was conducted in or after 1994, (3) the study was conducted in low- and middle-income countries, and (4) the study assessed the impact of a CCT and/or UCT intervention on contraceptive use and/or fertility
Summary
This systematic review synthesizes evidence on the impact of conditional and unconditional cash transfers (CCT and UCT) on contraception in lowand middle-income countries. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on cash transfers for family planning and their impact on contraceptive use and related outcomes in LMICs. The specific objectives are to review and identify areas where the impact of CCT and UCT on contraception is strong; and identify the current gaps in knowledge and potential research topics in health care financing using CCT or UCT to promote the adoption of contraceptive methods
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