Contraceptive Use In sub-Saharan Africa Research Articles

Spousal age differences and women’s contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa

BackgroundThis study examines the likelihood of contraceptive use among married women in sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the influence of spousal age difference.MethodsBinary logistic regressions predicting contraceptive use were estimated using a sample of 478,193 women in first union from 29 sub-Saharan African countries spanning two decades from 1999 to 2022. The data were sourced from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS).ResultsThe regression results indicate that spousal age difference is negatively correlated with the likelihood of contraceptive use with each additional year reducing the odds of using contraception by 1.1 percent. The association between the two variables has remained largely consistent over time. The findings also show substantial variation in the influence of spousal age differences on contraceptive use ranging from statistically significant and negative odds in some countries to not statistically significant but positive odds in others. Measures of female autonomy, education and healthcare decision-making, had a modest influence on the size and significance of the association between spousal age difference and contraceptive use.ConclusionsThe relationship between spousal age difference and contraceptive use is of concern given the prevalence of age-disparate relationships in the context. These findings add to the literature on the potentially negative implications of age-disparate relationships, while highlighting that the association is not uniformly negative across countries.

Association between knowledge and use of contraceptive among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa.

The use of contraceptives has been considered relevant in reducing unintended pregnancies in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, despite evidence of knowledge of contraceptives, their use remains low in SSA. This study examined the association between knowledge of contraceptive methods and the use of contraceptives in SSA. Data for the study were extracted from the Demographic and Health Surveys of 21countries in SSA spanning from 2015 to 2021. A weighted sample of 200,498 sexually active women of reproductive age were included in the final analysis. We presented the results on the utilization of contraceptives using percentages with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI). We examined the association between knowledge of contraceptive methods and the use of contraceptives using multilevel binary logistic regression analysis. Overall, 24.32% (95% CI: 24.15-24.50) of women in SSA used contraceptives. Chad had the lowest prevalence of contraceptive use (5.07%) while Zimbabwe had the highest prevalence (66.81%). The odds of using any method of contraception were significantly higher for women with medium [Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.89; 95% CI = 1.80-1.98] and high [AOR = 2.22; 95% CI = 2.10-2.33] knowledge of contraceptive methods compared to those with low knowledge, after adjusting for all covariates. Our study has shown that the use of contraceptives among women in SSA is low. Women's knowledge of any contraception method increases their likelihood of using contraceptives in SSA. To improve contraceptive use in SSA, targeted interventions and programmes should increase awareness creation and sensitization, which can improve women's knowledge on methods of contraception. Also, programmes implemented to address the low uptake of contraceptives should consider the factors identified in this study. In addition, specific subregional strategies could be implemented to narrow the subregional disparities.

Contraceptive use and method mix dynamics in Sub-saharan Africa: time trends and the influence of the HIV pandemic

BackgroundContraceptive use dynamics continue to be of priority in sub-Saharan Africa because of persistently high levels of fertility. This paper focuses on the use of barrier versus non-barrier contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa hypothesizing that the HIV pandemic in the region would be responsible for increases in the use of barrier methods over time.MethodsThis paper uses Demographic and Heath Survey (DHS) data from 32 countries to conduct extensive analysis of trends in contraceptive use and method mix that refers to the distribution of contraceptive methods use among the sexually active population. The paper examines how contraceptive method mix dynamics have changed over time and whether the trends differ by marital status and gender using cross-tabulations. It furthers examines the determinants of method choice using logistic regressions.ResultsThe findings indicate that the use of barrier methods, most markedly for unmarried women and men, rose substantially between the late 1980s and late 2000s in the region in tandem with trends in HIV prevalence. The results further show marked differences in method mix by gender with men being more likely to report barrier method use than women.ConclusionsThe findings indicate shifting preferences in contraceptive choice. The time trend analyses highlight the importance of expanding the focus of contraceptive use studies beyond women in this context as the study finds differing trends for men.Graphical

Contraceptive use pattern based on the number and composition of children among married women in sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel analysis.

The relationship between composition of children and contraception use has received limited scholarly attention in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, we examined the relationship between contraceptive methods, the number and composition of children in SSA. Data on 21 countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries that had a Demographic and Health Survey on or before 2015 were analysed. We applied a multilevel multinomial logistic regression model to assess the influence of family composition on contraceptive use. Adjusted relative risk ratio (aRRR) and 95% CI were estimated. The significant level was set at p < 0.05. All the analyses were conducted using weighted data. Women who had one son and two daughters (aRRR = 0.85, CI = 0.75, 0.95), two sons and one daughter (aRRR = 0.81 CI = 0.72, 0.92), one son and three daughters (aRRR = 0.66, CI = 0.54, 0.80), two sons and two daughters (aRRR = 0.59, CI = 0.50, 0.69), and three or more sons (aRRR = 0.75, CI = 0.63, 0.91) were less likely to use temporary modern contraceptive methods. Those with two sons and two daughters were less likely to use traditional methods (aRRR = 0.52, CI = 0.35, 0.78). Women in the older age group (35-49 years) were less likely to use temporary modern methods (aRRR = 0.60; 95%CI; 0.57, 0.63). However, this group of women were more likely to use permanent (sterilization) (aRRR = 1.71; 95%CI; 1.50, 1.91) and traditional methods (aRRR = 1.28; 95%CI; 1.14, 1.43). These findings suggest that contraception needs of women vary based on the composition of their children, hence a common approach or intervention will not fit. As a result, contraception interventions ought to be streamlined to meet the needs of different categories of women. The findings can inform policymakers and public health professionals in developing effective strategies to improve contraceptive use in SSA.

Motivators and Influencers of Adolescent Girls' Decision Making Regarding Contraceptive Use in Four Districts of Zambia.

Low contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa, and Zambia specifically, negates the potential benefits of contraception in preventing unwanted and early pregnancies. This study aimed to explore and understand the motivators and influencers of adolescent girls' contraceptive decision making. Using thematic analysis, we analysed qualitative data from seven focus group discussions and three key informant interviews with adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 years in four Zambian districts. The data were managed and organised using NVivo version 12 pro (QSR International). Fear of pregnancy, fear of diseases, fear of having more children, and spacing of children (especially among married adolescents) were key motivators for adolescents' contraceptive use. Friends and peers motivated them to use contraceptives while fear of side effects and fear of infertility drove non-use. Peer pressure and fear of mocking by their friends were important deterrents to contraceptive use. Parents, peers and friends, family members, partners, churches, and religious groups influenced adolescent girls' contraceptive decisions. Mixed messages from these influencers, with some in favour and others against contraceptives, make adolescents' decisions to use contraceptives complex. Therefore, interventions targeting increased contraceptive use should be all-inclusive, incorporating multiple influencers, including at institutional and policy levels, to empower adolescents and give them autonomy to make contraceptive decisions.

“She is courageous because she does not care what people think about her…”: attitudes toward adolescent contraception use among Rwandan family planning providers and adult female modern contraceptive users

IntroductionIn Rwanda, only 20% of sexually active unmarried young women use family planning as compared to 64% of married women. Adolescence is an important time of growth and development that often includes the initiation of sexual activity. Sexually active adolescents need support in accessing contraceptive services to prevent negative health outcomes. In sub-Saharan Africa, the adolescent population represents a large share of the total population and that proportion is predicted to expand over time. Adolescent contraceptive needs have largely been unmet, and with growing numbers, there is increased potential for negative health sequelae. Due to the low use of contraception by adolescents in Rwanda, and the growing population of adolescents, this study aims to explore the perspectives of family planning providers and adult modern contraceptive users on adolescent contraceptive use. Inclusion of adult community members in the study is a unique contribution, as research on adolescent contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa relies primarily on perspectives from adolescents and family planning providers.MethodsThis qualitative study in 2018 utilized 32 in-depth interviews with modern contraceptive users and eight focus group discussions with family planning providers. Respondents were from Musanze and Nyamasheke districts in Rwanda, the districts with the highest and lowest modern contraceptive use among married women, respectively. Coding was conducted in Atlas.ti.ResultsStigma regarding premarital sex results in barriers to adolescent access to contraceptive services. Family planning providers do provide services to adolescents; however, they often recommend secondary abstinence, offer a limited method selection, and accentuate risks associated with sexual activity and contraceptive use. Providers support adolescent clients by emphasizing the need for privacy, confidentiality, and expedient services, particularly through youth corners, which are spaces within health facilities designed to meet youth needs specifically. Modern contraceptive-using adult female community members advocate for youth access to contraception, however mothers have mixed comfort discussing sexual health with their own youth.ConclusionTo destigmatize premarital sexual activity, government efforts to initiate communication about this topic must occur at national and community levels with the goal of continued conversation within the family. The government should also train family planning providers and all health personnel interacting with youth on adolescent-friendly health services. Dialogue between community members and family planning providers about adolescent access to contraceptive services could also reduce barriers for adolescents due to community members’ generally supportive views on adolescent contraceptive use. Efforts to engage adolescent caregivers in how to talk to youth about sex could also contribute to expanded use.

Gender differentials of contraceptive knowledge and use among youth - evidence from demographic and health survey data in selected African countries.

Improving family planning demand and uptake has both social and economic benefits, including increasing education attainment, reducing poverty and increased participation in the labour force. Also, contraceptive use remains a key driver in Africa to facilitate demographic transition and the demographic dividend. However, numerous challenges have prevented the take-up of contraception across the continent. This is more so the case among African youth that present the lowest levels of contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, the objective of this research was to examine gender differences in contraceptive use and knowledge of sexually active young people (15-24 years) in sub-Saharan African countries. This study used data from nine countries in sub-Saharan Africa through the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHSs) of Benin, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Namibia, Niger, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Data analysis entailed frequency distributions and cross-tabulations to describe the gender-differentiated levels of contraceptive use and knowledge among youth. Additionally, logistic regression showed the gender-specific predictors of contraceptive use for African youth. Our findings present the gender-specific predictors of contraceptive use and will contribute to policy and programme formulation for African countries and organisations that promote contraceptive use.

Partner support and women's contraceptive use: insight from urban poor communities in Accra, Ghana

BackgroundDespite the benefits associated with contraceptive use, there is a low prevalence of contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa and Ghana. Previous studies have partly and consistently attributed the low prevalence of contraceptive use to partner opposition. However, little is known about the influence of men in contraceptive related choices of their partners, particularly within the context of urban poverty. This study examines the influences of partners on women’s contraceptive choices.MethodsThe study utilized a cross-sectional household survey data of 1578 currently married women and women in a union of reproductive ages 16–44 years. Women who were pregnant and those trying to be pregnant were excluded from the analysis. The dependent variables for the study were current use of any contraceptive method, types of contraceptive methods and types of modern contraceptive methods. The independent variable for the study was a woman’s report of partner support in contraceptive related choices. A binary logistic regression model was used to examine the associations between partner support in contraceptive related choices and contraceptive use of women.ResultsThe results of the study show that partner support of contraceptive related choices has a significant influence on contraceptive use of women. Women who indicated support from their partners were more likely to be current users of any contraceptive method, yet were less likely to use modern contraceptive methods.ConclusionThe study highlights the need to involve men in family planning programs and research, as well as educating them on the various contraceptive modern methods and the side effects.

Contraceptives and the Youth: Examining the Social Meaning of Contraceptives among Undergraduates in Kenya

Sexuality is a development milestone in one’s life cycle, and each generation has its own struggles with it. It becomes more complex when the biological forces that accompany it initiate the sexual maturation process. The youth are very prone to risky sexual behaviour at this stage due to their perceptions of personal invulnerability, that leaves many exposed to HIV/AIDS infection, early pregnancies and abortion incidences. The unmet need for contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa has left the youth exposed to the aforementioned vices, making this a matter of great public health concern. Through a qualitative approach, this article examines the social meaning that the youth bestowed on two contraceptives (condom and the E-pill) and assesses how these meanings influence their sexual behaviour. The study concludes that there is need for policy makers to understand youth perceptions towards various contraceptive methods if effective campaign on reproductive health is to be realised.

95. Addressing the Missed Opportunities for Contraceptive Utilization Among Adolescence to Prevent the Unintended Pregnancy Among Adolescence Through Quality Improvement in Chancho District

Improving adolescent and youth sexual and reproductive health (AYSRH) is important in preventing unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and unsafe abortion. Despite improvement in AYSRH highest adolescent pregnancy rate and the lowest rate of contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. Ethiopian Demographic Health Survey (EDHS) 2016 show that, modern contraceptive use among adolescents 15-19 and youth 20-24 age years is 31.8% and 38.5 % respectively. Chancho health center maternity unit and Quality improvement team conducted base line assessment of six months and identified gaps service provision modalities by untrained providers, low contraceptive use among adolescents and youths which is 47%.

Coverage and determinants of modern contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa: further analysis of demographic and health surveys

BackgroundThe use of modern contraceptives (MC) in most African countries has been low despite the high fertility rate and unmet need for family planning. This study sought to determine the coverage and determinants of modern contraceptive use among women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).MethodsData for the study were obtained from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted between 1995–2020 across 37 SSA countries. Women of reproductive age (15–49 years) was the unit of analysis. Analysis of data was done using STATA version 16 for windows. A bivariate Rao Scott’s Chi-square test of independence was done to determine factors associated with the use of modern contraceptives. Factors that showed significance (p < 0.05) were included in a multilevel logistic regression to determine significant predictors of modern contraceptives. Clustering, stratification and sample weighting were accounted for in the analyses.ResultsThe overall prevalence of the use of MC was found to be 22.0%. This ranged from 3.5% in the Central Africa Republic to 49.7% in Namibia. The most common type of MC used were injections (39.4%), condoms (17.5%) and implants (26.5%). Women were less likely to use modern contraceptive if they: had no education (aOR = 0.4, 95% CI 0.38–0.44), had no children (aOR = 0.27–0.42), not told of family planning at a health facility (aOR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.67–0.71), not heard of family planning in the media (aOR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.74–0.79) and being poor (aOR = 0.76, 95% CI 0.73–0.79). On the other hand, women were more likely to use modern contraceptive if they were between the age of 35–39 years (aOR = 1.69, 95% CI 0.73–0.79), married (aOR = 2.66, 95% CI 2.50–2.83), had seven or more children (aOR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.17–0.38), had knowledge of any method of contraceptives (aOR = 303.8, 95% CI 89.9–1027.5) and when field worker visited and talked about family planning (aOR = 1.53, 95% CI 1.39–0.68).ConclusionThe study showed a low prevalence of modern contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa. Findings from the study highlight the need to provide education to women to increase uptake of modern contraceptive and also re-enforce contraceptive interventions to improve women’s health and well-being.

Return to pregnancy after contraceptive discontinuation to become pregnant: a pooled analysis of West and East African populations

BackgroundThe fear of infertility or delayed return to fertility is a common barrier to contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly among young or nulliparous women. Global evidence on return to pregnancy after method discontinuation suggests these fears may be misplaced; yet the topic has not been widely studied in sub-Saharan Africa nor by age and parity group.MethodsReproductive calendar data from recent Demographic and Health Surveys of 15 sub-Saharan African countries were used to analyze time-to-pregnancy following discontinuation of a contraceptive method with the reason to become pregnant. The probability of pregnancy at 12 months was estimated using single-decrement life tables run by type of method discontinued, age and parity. Results are presented by region: francophone West Africa, anglophone West Africa and East Africa.ResultsThe 12-month probability of pregnancy after discontinuation of contraception to become pregnant was 73.0% in francophone West Africa, 78.8% in anglophone West Africa, and 82.0% in East Africa. Our results showed significant regional differences in return to pregnancy by 12 months, with probabilities in francophone West Africa being significantly lower than in anglophone West Africa or East Africa. A lower return to pregnancy by 12 months was seen among women ages 35–49 years and was lowest after discontinuation of a hormonal method for all age groups. Differences by parity group were only evident after discontinuation of hormonal methods in francophone West Africa.ConclusionsSustainable gains in increasing contraceptive uptake, especially among youth, may be difficult to achieve without information and counseling that address concerns about infertility and potential delays in return to pregnancy following use of hormonal methods.

Factors Associated with Contraceptive Use in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Background:Globally 10% of women have an unmet need for contraception, with higher rates in sub-Saharan Africa. Programs to improve family planning (FP) outcomes require data on how service characteristics (e.g., geographic access, quality) and women's characteristics are associated with contraceptive use.Materials and Methods:We combined data from health facility assessments (2018 and 2019) and a population-based regional household survey (2018) of married and in-union women ages 15–49 in the Kigoma Region of Tanzania. We assessed the associations between contraceptive use and service (i.e., distance, methods available, personnel) and women's (e.g., demographic characteristics, fertility experiences and intentions, attitudes toward FP) characteristics.Results:In this largely rural sample (n = 4,372), 21.7% of women used modern reversible contraceptive methods. Most variables were associated with contraceptive use in bivariate analyses. In multivariate analyses, access to services located <2 km of one's home that offered five methods (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.57, confidence interval [CI] = 1.18–2.10) and had basic amenities (aOR = 1.66, CI = 1.24–2.2) increased the odds of contraceptive use. Among individual variables, believing that FP benefits the family (aOR = 3.65, CI = 2.18–6.11) and believing that contraception is safe (aOR = 2.48, CI = 1.92–3.20) and effective (aOR = 3.59, CI = 2.63–4.90) had strong associations with contraceptive use.Conclusions:Both service and individual characteristics were associated with contraceptive use, suggesting the importance of coordination between efforts to improve access to services and social and behavior change interventions that address motivations, knowledge, and attitudes toward FP.

Contraceptive unmet needs in low and middle-income countries: A systematic review.

Contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa remains low, with a minimal rise from 23.6% to 28.5% between 2008 and 2015. Unmet needs for contraception remain a public health concern in low and middle-income countries. The objectives of this systematic review were to explore the perceptions of women and men accessing family planning services; and the perceptions of healthcare professionals delivering family planning services in low and middle-income countries. Literature search was limited to studies published in English in the period from 2000 to 2017. Thirty studies included in this review were identified from CINAHL, BNI, EMBASE, PsycINFO, MIDIRS and MEDLINE databases. A narrative synthesis, was adopted to synthesise the findings. Findings indicate a lack of awareness of contraception amongst women and men. Experienced and perceived side effects of contraceptives influence contraceptive continuation and discontinuation. Evidence from this review points to the need for awareness of contraception to dispel myths and misperceptions regarding modern contraception.

Female adolescents' reproductive health decision-making capacity and contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa: What does the future hold?

Given the social, economic, and health consequences of early parenthood, unintended pregnancy, and the risks of HIV infection and subsequent transmission, there is an urgent need to understand how adolescents make sexual and reproductive decisions regarding contraceptive use. This study sought to assess the association between female adolescents' reproductive health decision-making capacity and their contraceptive usage. Data was obtained from pooled current Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted in 32 countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). The unit of analysis for this study was adolescents in sexual unions [n = 15,858]. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted using Pearson chi-square tests and binary logistic regression respectively. All analyses were performed using STATA version 14.2. Results were presented using Odds Ratios [OR] and adjusted Odds Ratios [AOR]. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. The results showed that 68.66% of adolescents in SSA had the capacity to make reproductive health decisions. The overall prevalence of contraceptive use was 18.87%, ranging from 1.84% in Chad to 45.75% in Zimbabwe. Adolescents who had the capacity to take reproductive health decisions had higher odds of using contraceptives [AOR = 1.47; CI = 1.31-1.65, p < 0.001]. The odds of contraceptive use among female adolescents increased with age, with those aged 19 years having the highest likelihood of using contraceptives [AOR = 3.12; CI = 2.27-34.29, p < 0.001]. Further, the higher the level of education, the more likely female adolescents will use contraceptives, and this was more predominant among those with secondary/higher education [AOR = 2.50; CI = 2.11-2.96, p < 0.001]. Female adolescents who were cohabiting had higher odds of using contraceptives, compared to those who were married [AOR = 1.69; CI = 1.47-1.95, p < 0.001]. The odds of contraceptive use was highest among female adolescents from the richest wealth quintile, compared to those from the poorest wealth quintile [AOR = 1.65; CI = 1.35-2.01, p<0.001]. Conversely, female adolescents in rural areas were less likely to use contraceptives, compared to those in urban areas [AOR = 0.78; CI = 0.69-0.89, p < 0.001]. The use of general and modern contraceptives among adolescents in SSA remains low. Therefore, there is a need to strengthen existing efforts on contraceptives usage among adolescents in SSA. This goal can be achieved by empowering these young females, particularly those in the rural areas where the level of literacy is very low to take positive reproductive health decisions to prevent unintended teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDs and other sexually transmitted infections. This approach would help reduce maternal mortality and early childbirth in studied SSA countries.

Women’s modern contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa: does men’s involvement matter?

# Background Men's involvement in family planning can play an important role in improving the use of modern contraceptives. Several studies have shown that family planning interventions that involve men have resulted in positive outcomes. However, these studies are mainly case-control studies with a specific focus area. This paper used data from men's responses in Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) in 27 sub-Saharan African countries to study whether there is an association between men's involvement and modern contraceptive use using nationally represented cross-sectional data. # Methods For the analysis, data on men's involvement was linked with information from women's survey responses on their modern contraceptive use. The objective was to learn whether men's involvement, defined as having correct knowledge, positive attitudes, and supportive behaviors in family planning has an association increased modern contraceptive use in their partners/wives. Women's and men's education level was also examined. Adjusted logistic regression models for modern contraceptive use were fit for each main independent variable along with control variables. # Results Although in general few countries exhibited significant findings, the analysis found that the most significant findings were for the behavior of men discussing family planning with a health care worker. In addition, countries that had a modern contraceptive rate below or equal to 20% had more significant findings than countries that had a modern contraceptive rate of above 20%. # Conclusions Men's behavior was a stronger predictor of women's contraceptive use compared to their knowledge or attitudes. Findings suggest that interventions in countries will low contraceptive could be more effective. The main limitation of the analysis was the cross-sectional nature of the data.

Women’s modern contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa: does men’s involvement matter?

# Background Men's involvement in family planning can play an important role in improving the use of modern contraceptives. Several studies have shown that family planning interventions that involve men have resulted in positive outcomes. However, these studies are mainly case-control studies with a specific focus area. This paper used data from men's responses in Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) in 27 sub-Saharan African countries to study whether there is an association between men's involvement and modern contraceptive use using nationally represented cross-sectional data. # Methods For the analysis, data on men's involvement was linked with information from women's survey responses on their modern contraceptive use. The objective was to learn whether men's involvement, defined as having correct knowledge, positive attitudes, and supportive behaviors in family planning has an association increased modern contraceptive use in their partners/wives. Women's and men's education level was also examined. Adjusted logistic regression models for modern contraceptive use were fit for each main independent variable along with control variables. # Results Although in general few countries exhibited significant findings, the analysis found that the most significant findings were for the behavior of men discussing family planning with a health care worker. In addition, countries that had a modern contraceptive rate below or equal to 20% had more significant findings than countries that had a modern contraceptive rate of above 20%. # Conclusions Men's behavior was a stronger predictor of women's contraceptive use compared to their knowledge or attitudes. Findings suggest that interventions in countries will low contraceptive could be more effective. The main limitation of the analysis was the cross-sectional nature of the data.

Women empowerment as an enabling factor of contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa: a multilevel analysis of cross-sectional surveys of 32 countries

BackgroundWomen’s empowerment has a direct impact on maternal and child health care service utilization. Large scope measurement of contraceptive use in several dimensions is paramount, considering the nature of empowerment processes as it relates to improvements in maternal health status. However, multicountry and multilevel analysis of the measurement of women’s empowerment indicators and their associations with contraceptive use is vital to make a substantial intervention in the Sub-Saharan Africa context. Therefore, we investigated the impact of women’s empowerment on contraceptive use among women in sub-Saharan Africa countries.MethodsSecondary data involving 474,622 women of reproductive age (15–49 years) from the current Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) in 32 Sub-Saharan Africa region was used in this study. Contraceptive use was the primary outcome variable. Multilevel analysis was conducted to examine the impact of women’s empowerment on contraceptive use. Percentages were conducted in univariate analysis. Furthermore, multilevel logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between individual, compositional and contextual factors of contraceptive use.ResultsResults showed large disparities in the number of women who reportedly ever use contraceptive methods; this range from as low as 6.7% in Chad and as much as 72% in Namibia. More than one-third of the respondents had no formal education and more than half were active labor force. Contraceptive use was significantly more common among respondents from the richest households (28.5% versus 18.9%). Various components of women’s empowerment were positively significantly associated with contraceptive use after adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors. There was a significant variation in the odds of contraceptive use across the 32 countries (σ2= 1.12, 95% CrI 0.67 to 1.87) and across the neighbourhoods (σ2= 0.95, 95% CrI 0.92 to 0.98).ConclusionsOur findings suggest that an increase in contraceptive use and by better extension maternal health care services utilization can be achieved by enhancing women’s empowerment. Also, an increase in decision-making autonomy by women, their participation in labour force, reduction in abuse and violence and improved knowledge level are all key issues to be considered. Health-related policies should address inequalities in women’s empowerment, education and economic status which would yield benefits to individuals, families, and societies in general.

Reproductive Coercion and Contraceptive Use in Ethiopia

Context: While intimate partner violence (IPV) is recognized as a major contributor to poor reproductive health outcomes, the relationship between IPV and contraceptive use is unclear. Reproductive coercion (RC), a mechanism by which power is maintained over a partner through enforced reproductive behaviours, could be the missing link in understanding this relationship. However, there is limited understanding of RC and contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa. Data Source and Methods: We use large-scale population based survey data from Ethiopia and examine the relationship between reproductive coercion and contraceptive use and estimate the predictors of reproductive coercion using multivariate logistic regression models. Findings: Our findings suggest a strong negative association between RC and contraceptive use after adjusting for IPV and other factors, while emotional IPV was strongly predictive of RC. Conclusion: RC can be critical for understanding how controlling behaviours and violence manifest in the reproductive arena and impact family planning decision-making.

Fertility, Family Size Preference and Contraceptive Use in Sub-Saharan Africa: 1990-2014.

In view of an unusual transition in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) fertility, periodic re-appraisal is necessary. Using an ecological design, data from Demographic and Health Surveys between 1990 and 2014 were analysed to investigate trends in completed family size (CFS), total fertility rate (TFR), family size preference (FSP), and contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR). The correlates of changes in fertility levels, FSP and CPR were explored. Results showed that CFS declined and was lowest in Southern and Western Africa. However, average CFS for Central African countries appeared virtually the same over the period. Changes in TFR and FSP followed patterns similar to CFS. Western and Central region had very slow increase in CPR with many below 20% as at 2014. Eastern and Southern Africa had faster increase in CPR with some countries achieving almost 60%. Regression results showed that contraceptive prevalence (β= -1.96, p=0.027) and median age at first marriage (β= -0.23, p=0.06) were negatively related to TFR while employment (β= -21.7, p <0.001) was negatively related to FSP. In summary, fertility levels and family size preference declined while contraceptive use improved particularly in Southern and the Eastern Africa. Increased female labour force participation is another potential route to fertility decline in SSA.