Determinants of Contraceptive Discontinuation among Homeless Women in Kenya

Abstract

This paper examines factors affecting contraceptive discontinuity among homeless women in Kenya, using data from a sample of 384 homeless women. The findings were estimated using logistic regression. The estimated results from regression analysis show that living with a partner, drug use, health facility delivery, and knowledge of female sterilization and previously emigrating from an urban area, strongly encourage contraceptive discontinuation. The estimated results further show that being assisted by a midwife during delivery, earning above a dollar a day, and going through neonatal or pregnancy loss reduces incidences of contraceptive discontinuation. The study concludes with implications for policies that will encourage consistent use of contraceptives. These policies include the establishment of family planning programs to curb drug abuse and setting up family planning programs to educate women on the importance of initiating a form of contraception after incidences of abortions, stillbirths, or miscarriages. Other policy recommendations include the establishment of drug rehabilitation centers for women struggling with drug abuse and the provision of alternative sources of income. The government is also advised to train more midwives who can offer home based care for homeless women who cannot visit health centers.