The Nexus between Economic Features and Contraceptive Switching in Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract Objective This study aims to examine the association between economic characteristics and contraceptive switching in Indonesia. Methods The study employed monthly contraceptive calendar data from the results of the 2017 Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey. The unit analyzed the contraceptive use during 3-62 months in women of the age between 15-49. The data was analyzed using a Gompertz proportional hazards model. The dependent variable was the duration of the risk period up to the incidence of the contraceptive switching. Main used variables were based on economic, demographic and sociocultural factors. Results The 12-month contraceptive switching rate was higher among women who had a cellular phone, a bank account, ever used the internet in the last year, were currently employed and came from households in highest wealth quintile. These economic features significantly influenced the risk of switching contraception in Indonesia after controlling for demographic and sociocultural factors. Conclusions After controlling for demographic and sociocultural factors, a higher risk of contraceptive switching was associated with having a cellular phone and bank account and being from households in highest wealth quintile. Higher contraceptive switching risk was also associated with switching contraceptive pills, intent of limiting births, having two or three children, being of age 15-24 years, having higher education, having exposure to family planning messages via internet, having husbands who decided about the wife’s earnings, earning more than husband and not owning a house. The nexus between better economic status and contraceptive switching may imply the need to formulate and implement suitable family planning policies and strategies to reduce contraceptive switching among the better-off economically and more empowered women in order to prevent unwanted births.