Prevalence of modern contraceptive discontinuation and associated factors among married reproductive age group women in Debre Berhan town, Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of modern contraceptive discontinuation and associated factors among married reproductive age (15-49 years) group women.

STUDY DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Debre Berhan town among 500 reproductive age group women. Study participants were selected using two-stage sampling procedures. Data were collected using a semistructured face-to-face interview questionnaire. The data were entered in EpiData V.4.2.0 and then exported to SPSS V.25 software for data analysis. Descriptive statistics such as mean, per cent and frequency were used to summarise women's characteristics. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify predictors' variables with modern contraceptive discontinuation and p<0.05 was used to declare association.

RESULTS

The prevalence of modern contraceptive discontinuation among married reproductive age group women was 35.2% with a mean duration of use of 2.6±2.1 months. This study also revealed that the discontinuation rate was 12.6% within the first year of use. In the current study, those living with their husband (adjusted OR (AOR)=3.81, p<0.001), experiencing side effects while using modern contraceptives (AOR=2.45, p=0.02), getting counselling service (AOR=5.51, p<0.001) and respondent husband acceptance of her modern contraceptive use (AOR=3.85, p=0.01) were significantly associated with modern contraceptive discontinuation.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study showed that the prevalence of modern contraceptive discontinuation rate of all methods among married reproductive age group women was 35.2%. To reduce modern contraceptive discontinuation, mutually, it is important to create community awareness about the importance of the continued use of modern contraceptives, improve the quality of family planning service in the health institution, strengthen family planning counselling service and give adequate counselling on details of effectiveness and side effects.

Intimate partner violence influences modern family planning use among married women in Tanzania: cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Married women who experience intimate partner violence (IPV) are less likely to negotiate with their partners on modern family planning (FP) use. This study aimed to determine the influence of intimate partner violence and sociodemographics on modern family planning use.

METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Mara region, Tanzania from April to July 2020. A total of 366 married women were interviewed. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Analysis was done using SPSS version 25, and a binary logistic regression model was used to determine the predictors of modern FP use. The significance level was set at a p-value less than 0.05.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of IPV was 73% with 54.1% physical, 36.3% psychological, and 25.4%, sexual violence. The prevalence of modern FP use was 62%, and the most (49.1%) common method practiced by married women was injection (Depo Provera). Physical violence (AOR = 0.32, p = 0.0056), and psychological violence (AOR = 0.22, p = 0.0022) had significantly reduced odds of modern FP use. Religion (AOR = 4.6, p = 0.0085), and availability of preferred modern FP methods (AOR = 9.27, p < 0.0001) had significantly increased odds of modern FP use.

CONCLUSION

In this study, there is a positive association between the use of modern FP methods and IPV. To prevent IPV and its negative health consequences, it is crucial to involve community leaders and primary healthcare workers. They can help in identifying the best strategies to prevent IPV and promote the use of modern FP methods. It is equally important to involve male partners in reproductive health decisions, including the use of modern FP methods. This approach will help reduce reproductive coercion.

Contraceptive use by number of living children in Ghana: Evidence from the 2017 maternal health survey

BACKGROUND

There is a significant literature describing the link between parity and contraceptive use. However, there is limited knowledge about the disaggregation by parity of the type of contraceptives. In this study, we describe the use of contraceptives by parity among women of reproductive age in Ghana, focusing on use of highly effective methods (injection, pill, intrauterine device, implant, and sterilization).

METHODS

Using the 2017 Ghana Maternal Health Survey, a nationally-representative cross-sectional household survey, we describe contraceptive method use by number of living children among sexually active women of reproductive age. We then estimated predictors of use of highly effective contraception in a multilevel logistic regression model.

RESULTS

Most women in this survey are not using any method of contraception, although this varies by whether or not they have begun childbearing. Contraceptive method use varies by number of living children. Before having children, natural (periodic abstinence and withdrawal) and episodic (condoms) methods dominate. Once a woman has one living child, method preference changes to injectables and implants. Factors associated with using a highly effective method of contraception are: having >3 children, being in a relationship, having had an abortion, being younger than age 30, and having had sexual intercourse within days of answering the survey (p < .001 for all).

CONCLUSION

In this analysis, the number of living children a woman has, her age, and timing of last intercourse are the most significant predictors of using a highly effective method of contraception. However, the majority of participants in this study report not using any method of contraception to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Future research that attempts to unpack the disconnect between not wanting to become pregnant and not using contraception is warranted.

The Impact of Childhood Mortality on Fertility in Rural Tanzania: Evidence From the Ifakara and Rufiji Health and Demographic Surveillance Systems

This manuscript examines the relationship between child mortality and subsequent fertility using longitudinal data on births and childhood deaths occurring among 15,291 Tanzanian mothers between 2000 and 2015. Generalized hazard regression analyses assess the effect of child loss on the hazard of conception, adjusting for child-level, mother-level, and contextual covariates. Results show that time to conception is most reduced if an index child dies during the subsequent birth interval, representing the combined effect of biological and volitional replacement. Deaths occurring during prior birth intervals were associated with accelerated time to conception during future intervals, consistent with hypothesized insurance effects of anticipating future child loss, but this effect is smaller than replacement effects. The analysis reveals that residence in areas of relatively high child mortality is associated with hastened parity progression, again consistent with the insurance hypothesis. Investigation of high-order interactions suggests that insurance effects tend to be greater in low-mortality communities, replacement effects tend to be stronger in high-mortality community contexts, and wealthier families tend to exhibit a weaker insurance response but a stronger replacement response to childhood mortality relative to poorer families.

Uptake of modern contraceptive methods among women of reproductive age in Chake District-Pemba Tanzania: a descriptive crossectional study

BACKGROUND

The uptake of the modern contraceptive method provides chances for women and couples to reach optimal child spacing, achieve the desired family size and prevent unsafe abortions and maternal deaths. Despite the efforts in the health sector still, the contraceptive prevalence rate in Zanzibar remains low (9.1%). In Pemba, few studies have been done on modern contraceptive uptake and little is known about factors that hinder the uptake of modern contraceptives among women of reproductive age. This study investigated the uptake of modern contraceptive methods among women of reproductive age (18-45 years) and its associated factors.

METHODS

This was a quantitative cross-sectional study conducted in Chake District Hospital, Pemba Tanzania. A stratified random sampling technique was used to recruit 214 eligible participants for the study. After we informed the participants, data were collected using a structured English questionnaire. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS version 25, descriptive analysis was done to determine frequencies. A chi-square test was done to determine the association between the study variables and multivariate logistic regression to check the nature and strength of the association. The p<0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

This study included 214 women of with majority 79(36.9%) at the age group of 21-30 years, 100(46.7%) had secondary education and 187(87.4%) married. Most of the participants 212(99.1%) have heard about modern contraceptives, with health facilities being the common source of information191(45.3). More than half 120(56.1%) of the participants were not using any modern contraceptive method and injectable 38(40.4%) was the commonly reported method among users. Among the users of modern contraceptives, lack of power to decide 180(84.1%), fear of divorce 141(65.9%), and social perception of users as the cause of reduced workforce in the future 161(75.2%) were common barriers. Participants provided suggestions to improve modern contraceptive uptake including male involvement 203(94.9%) and community awareness 182(85%). Further analysis revealed women with college/university education were 2 times more likely to use modern contraceptives method compared to those with primary or not attended school(p=0.023, OR=2.437, 95% CI: 1.129-5.259). Moreover employed women were 2 times more likely to use modern contraceptives compared to unemployed/housewives (p=0.028, OR=1.844, CI=1.068-3.185).

CONCLUSION

This study assesses the uptake of modern contraceptives among women of reproductive age. Results showed a low uptake of modern contraceptives in this population. Although the observation in this study is similar to those reported in other countries, the updated information is still important to the policymakers and the Ministry of Health in the studied district.

Trends and Drivers of Unmet Need for Family Planning in Currently Married Tanzanian Women between 1999 and 2016

The current study investigated the trends and factors associated with the unmet need for family planning (FP) for limiting and spacing births among married Tanzanian women between 1999 and 2016. The study used Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS) data for the years 1999 (N = 2653), 2004-2005 (N = 2950), 2010 (N = 6412), and 2015-2016 (N = 8210). Trends in the unmet need for FP were estimated over the study period. Multivariable multinomial logistic regression models were used to investigate the association between community-level, predisposing, enabling, and need factors with the unmet need for FP in Tanzania. The results showed no significant change in percentage of married women with an unmet need for birth spacing between 1999 and 2016. The proportion of married women with an unmet need for limiting births decreased from 9.5% (95% confidence interval (CI): 7.9%, 10.6%) in 1999 to 6.6% (95% CI: 5.9%, 7.3%) in 2016. Residing in a rural area, parity between 1-4 and 5+, visiting a health facility for any health services within twelve months, and planning to have more children (after two years and/or undecided) were factors positively associated with the unmet need for FP-spacing. Women with parity of 5+ were more likely to experience an unmet need for FP-limiting. Women's age between 25-34 and 35-49 years, women's employment status, watching television, women's autonomy of not being involved in household decisions, and planning to have more children were factors associated with lower odds of having an unmet need for FP-spacing. Women's age between 25-34 years, watching television, autonomy, and planning to have more children were factors with lower odds of having an unmet need for FP-limiting. Improving FP uptake among married Tanzanian women can reduce the unmet need for FP. Therefore, reducing unmet needs for FP is attainable if government policies and interventions can target women residing in rural areas and other modifiable risk factors, such as parity, health facility visits, planning to having more children, employment, watching television, and women's autonomy.

Intimate Partner Violence and Contraception among Adolescent Girls and Young Women: A Longitudinal Analysis of the Girl Power-Malawi Cohort

PURPOSE

In sub-Saharan Africa, sexually active adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) experience high rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) and low levels of contraceptive use, but the effect of IPV on contraceptive use is not well understood.

METHODS

In the Girl Power-Malawi study, AGYW aged 15-24 were recruited from 4 health centers in Lilongwe, Malawi, and followed for 1 year. At baseline, AGYW were assessed for IPV using the modified Conflict Tactics Scale. AGYW reported contraceptive method use at 6 and 12 months, characterized as barrier, non-barrier, or any modern method. Modified Poisson regression was implemented to estimate risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to examine the effect of IPV on contraceptive use.

RESULTS

One thousand AGYW were enrolled, and 954 non-pregnant participants were included. Baseline prevalence of IPV with the most recent partner was 35.5% (physical), 46.2% (sexual), and 76.9% (emotional). Baseline IPV did not affect contraceptive use at 6 months (aRR [95% CI]: physical 0.98 [0.91-1.05]; sexual 1.00 [0.94-1.07]; emotional 1.03 [0.94-1.12]) or 12 months (physical 0.95 [0.89-1.02]; sexual 0.96 [0.90-1.02]; emotional 0.98 [0.91-1.05]). None of the 3 IPV categories affected contraceptive use when the outcome was restricted to either barrier or non-barrier methods.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort, IPV was not a key driver of contraceptive use in longitudinal analyses. Interventions are needed to address the alarming rates of IPV in this population, but addressing IPV alone might be insufficient to address low contraceptive use, and multifaceted youth-friendly health services might be necessary.

Modern contraceptive use among women of reproductive age in Zimbabwe: analysis of 1999-2015 Zimbabwe Demographic Health Survey

INTRODUCTION

Modern contraception use is the fundamental fulfilment of women's rights to choose when and how many children to have. The study explored predictors of modern contraceptive use among women in Zimbabwe.

METHOD

Data from the 1999, 2005/2006, 2010/2011 and 2015 Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) was used in a secondary analysis that involved 5474 women of reproductive age. The outcome measure was modern contraceptive use as reported by women. Multiple logistic regression was done to determine the predictors of modern contraceptive use.

RESULTS

The trend showed that since 1999 to 2015 there has been a steadily increase in modern contraceptive use from 54.9% to 72.9%. The use of contraceptives was lower among age 40 to 49 years (aOR = 0.49, p = 0.001)], other religion (aOR = 0.34, p = 0.005), induced abortion (aOR = 0.70; p ≤ 0.001), desire for having children within 2 years (aOR = 0.21; p ≤ 0.001) and polygamy (aOR = 0.43; p ≤ 0.001). The odds of contraceptives used was higher among richer wealth index (aOR = 1.45, p = 0.017), partners with higher education (aOR = 2.00, p = 0.029)], parity 1-2 (aOR = 15.53; p ≤ 0.001), 3-4 (aOR = 19.60; p ≤ 0.001), 5 or more (aOR = 17.50; p ≤ 0.001)] and media exposure (aOR = 1.79; p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

The study asserts that women's financial status, partners educational level, and media exposure might be important in promoting the use of modern contraceptives among women in a union in Zimbabwe and other low-income and middle-income countries.

Application of variance components to the identification of determinants of modern contraceptive use in the Tanzania demographic and health survey data

Background

Over time, demographic and health survey (DHS) data remain valuable to examine variables relating to nationally representative population outcomes for low- and middle-income countries. In Tanzania, there are very limited DHS-based studies on the uptake of Modern Contraceptive Use (MCU). Present studies have focused on measurements at the level of individuals, yet research has shown that MCU variations exists at other levels within populations. In this study, we use a variance component modelling approach to explore variation in MCU at primary sampling unit (PSU) and regional levels while considering survey sample weights.

Methods

Using DHS data from 2016–2017 in Tanzania, we study different variance structures and the respective variation on MCU in a sample of 5263 Women of Reproductive Age (WRA) defined as between the ages of 15–49 years. First, a single variance component was used, followed by its extension to a random coefficient model and we tracked changes in the models.

Results

There was an influence of random variations on MCU on the levels of populations much explained by PSU-level clustering than region. On the fixed part, age of a woman, husband education level, desire to have children, and exposure to media and wealth tertiles were important determinants for MCU. Compared to WRA in 15–19 years, the odds of MCU among middle aged women (20–29 and 30–39 years) were 1.94 (95%CI:1.244–3.024) and 2.28 (95%CI:1.372–3.803). Also, increases in media exposure and middle and rich wealth tertiles women led to higher odds for MCU. We also found the presence of random effects influence of wealth tertiles levels on MCU.

Conclusion

This study highlighted the utility of accounting for variance structures in addressing determinants of MCU while using DHS national level data. Apart from MCU, the DHS data have been widely applied to examine other variables pertaining to public health issues. This approach could be considered a better modelling technique for the DHS studies compared to traditional survey approaches, and to guide hierarchical population-based interventions to increase MCU.

The aggregate effect of implementation strength of family planning programs on modern contraceptive use at the health systems level in rural Malawi

To explore the association between the strength of implementation of family planning (FP) programs on the use of modern contraceptives. Specifically, how strongly these programs are being implemented across a health facility's catchment area in Malawi and the odds of a woman in that catchment area is using modern contraceptives. This information can be used to assess whether the combined impact of multiple large-scale FP programs is leading to change in the health outcomes they aim to improve. We used data from the 2017 Implementation Strength Assessment (ISA) that quantified how much of family planning programs at the health facility and community health worker levels were being implemented across every district of Malawi. We used a summary measure developed in a previous study that employs quantitative methods to combine data across FP domains and health system levels. We tested the association of this summary measure for implementation strength with household data from the 2015 Malawi Demographic Health Survey (DHS). We found that areas with stronger implementation of FP programs had higher odds of women using modern contraceptives compared with areas with weaker implementation. The association of ISA with use of modern contraception was different by education, marital status, and geography. After controlling for these factors, we found that the adjusted odds of using a modern contraceptive was three times higher in catchment areas with high implementation strength compared to those with lower strength. Metrics that summarize how strongly FP programs are being implemented were used to show a statistically significantly positive relationship between increasing implementation strength and higher rates of modern contraceptive use. Decisionmakers at the various levels of health authority can use this type of summary measure to better understand the combined impact of their diverse FP programming and inform future programmatic and policy decisions. The findings also reinforce the idea that having a well-supported and supplied cadre of community health workers supplementing FP provision at the health facility can be an important health systems mechanism, especially in rural settings and to target youth populations.

Consistency of the determinants of achieving fertility desires in Ghana: insights from 2003, 2008 and 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey data sets

Sub-Saharan Africa has entered the early stage of the demographic transition with differences in and between countries. The relation between fertility preference and actual fertility is at the core of the demographic changes during the demographic transition in sub-Saharan Africa. At the current pace of the demographic transition, overachieved fertility (actual fertility being higher than fertility preference) is more prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa although some women do achieve their fertility preference. Our aim is to assess the trends and identify factors that consistently influence women with completed fertility to achieve their fertility desires in Ghana over a 10-year period. We used secondary data from the 2003, 2008 and 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys for the analysis. The sample size was restricted to currently married/living in union women aged 45–49 years. The results indicate that underachieved fertility has increased from 25.1% in 2003 to 35.8% in 2014. Similarly, achieved fertility has also increased from 23.8% in 2003 to 26.0% in 2014. On the contrary, overachieved fertility has decreased from 51.1% in 2003 to 38.2% in 2014. The most persistent determinants of achieved fertility relative to overachieved fertility in Ghana during the last three rounds of the Ghana Demographic and Health Surveys are child survival status, ethnicity and couple’s fertility preference. The study provides support for programmatic interventions targeting improving child survival and regulating men’s fertility preference.

Multilevel mixed effects analysis of individual and community level factors associated with modern contraceptive use among married women in Uganda

Background

In spite of the universal right for women to decide freely for themselves when, and how many children they want to have in life, married women in Uganda are less likely to use modern contraceptives as compared to other marital categories. This study examines the individual and community factors associated with modern contraceptive use among married women in Uganda.

Methods

The study used data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey which comprised of 8671 married women aged 15–49 years who were fecund and non-pregnant at the time of the survey. Analysis was done using a multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression model.

Results

Findings showed that married women who were; Muslims (AOR = 0.78, CI = 0.66–0.91), had more than five children (AOR = 0.76, CI = 0.61–0.98), staying in communities with high poverty (AOR = 0.78, CI = 0.65–0.93), with older age at first birth (AOR = 0.94, CI = 0.92–0.96) as well as having spousal age difference of more than 9 years (AOR = 0.86, CI = 0.76–0.98) were associated with low modern contraceptive use. Women living in communities with higher age at first marriage (AOR = 0.93, CI = 0.88–0.98) or higher sexual debut (AOR = 0.91, CI = 0.85–0.98) were also associated with reduced odds of modern contraception. In addition, older women (AOR = 1.03, CI = 1.01–1.04), having secondary/higher education (AOR = 1.93, CI = 1.58–2.37), living in a rich household (AOR = 1.32, CI = 1.14–1.53), short distance to health facility (AOR = 1.18, CI = 1.06–1.31), high community education (AOR = 1.38, CI = 1.17–1.62), high community exposure to family planning messages (AOR = 1.24, CI = 1.08–1.42), and communities with high proportion of women working (AOR = 1.22, CI = 1.06–1.39) were more likely to use modern contraceptives.

Conclusion

The study revealed that both individual and community factors were important in explaining the factors associated with modern contraceptive use among married women in Uganda. Therefore, there is need to invest in community based programs like: family planning outreach services, mass media campaigns and community mobilization activities to help in dissemination of family planning information, increase awareness and promotion in use of modern contraceptives. Also, expansion of higher education and the need to make family planning services available and accessible to areas with limited physical access to health facilities will lead to sustained increase in uptake of modern contraceptives.

Married couples' dynamics, gender attitudes and contraception use in Savannakhet Province, Lao PDR

Background

The use of contraception in Lao PDR remains inadequate. In 2017, unmet contraception needs among married women aged 15–49 were 14.3% in Lao PDR overall and 18.6% in the province of Savannakhet. Although the government has a goal to reduce gender inequalities, they still persist in many areas.

Objective

The aim of this research was to understand the extent to which couples’ dynamics and gender attitudes affect contraception use in Savannakhet, Lao PDR.

Methods

To conduct this research, mixed methods were used. Quantitative methods took the form of a survey filled out by 200 married couples in the province of Savannakhet. Afterwards, focus group discussions were carried out to give meaning to the quantitative data and to obtain a deeper understanding of gender roles and contraceptive use.

Results

Findings showed that most couples rely on female-dependent contraceptives and that while women hold most of the family planning responsibility, men’s opinions have more weight on the final decision. Additionally, women’s financial autonomy and spousal communication regarding birth control were associated with contraceptive use within the couple. However, this communication usually began after the birth of the third child. Lastly, the hypothesis that egalitarian gender attitudes were associated with contraceptive use could not be confirmed.

Conclusion

This study clearly demonstrates that contraception use is influenced by couples’ dynamics, more specifically spousal communication, in Lao PDR. The findings have highlighted the need to involve men in all stages of family planning, and to foster both spousal communication and financial autonomy for women. If the findings are implemented, this may foster shared decision making within couples.

Factors associated with modern family planning use among women living with HIV who attended care and treatment clinics in Jigjiga town, Eastern Ethiopia

Background

Family planning helps to reduce the number of high-risk births and prevent unplanned pregnancies and mother-to-child transmission of HIV. The main purpose of this study was to determine the usage of family planning and its associated factors among women living with HIV who attended care and treatment clinics.

Methods

This was a health facility-based cross-sectional study conducted among 332 sexually active reproductive-age women living with HIV who visited care and treatment clinics from 15 April and 15 June 2017. We used a systematic sampling technique for sample selection. The data were collected using pretested and structured questionnaires through face-to-face interviews. Seriously ill women living with HIV who were unable to respond to the questionnaire and refused to participate were excluded from this study. Logistic regression was fitted, and an odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval with a p value less than 0.05 was used to identify factors associated with modern family planning use.

Result

The study revealed that the overall use of the modern family planning method was 56.3%, and the most common method used was injectable (37.4%) followed by implants (28.9%). About 19% of the users reported dual contraceptive use. About 58% got family planning from antiretroviral therapy clinics. Almost all the women (97.6%) had heard of seven modern family planning methods. Desire to have another child was the most common (79.7%) reason for not using family planning. Women who attended primary/secondary education (adjusted odds ratio: 2.61; 95% confidence interval: 1.29-5.28], who had no future fertility desire (adjusted odds ratio: 2.94; 95% confidence interval: 1.51-5.73), who had discussed family planning with their husband (adjusted odds ratio: 2.06; 95% confidence interval: 1.04-4.10), and who were counseled by the antiretroviral therapy provider about family planning (adjusted odds ratio: 4.53; 95% confidence interval: 1.70-12.06) were more likely to use family planning methods than their counterparts.

Conclusion

The results of this study revealed that the use of modern family planning was low. There is a high frequency of implant usage, fear of mother-to-child transmission as a motivator for family planning usage, and low dual method usage. Hence, improving women's education, involving husbands, and consistent family planning counseling by antiretroviral therapy providers are promising strategies to improve the uptake of modern family planning by women living with HIV.

Spousal age difference and its effect on contraceptive use among sexually active couples in Ethiopia: evidence from the 2016 Ethiopia demographic and health survey

BACKGROUND

Age difference among spouses can be considered as an indicator of the nature of the marital bond, and influences the couple's fertility expectations. The age difference is one of the features of the traditional African marriage system. However, the likelihood that women use of contraceptives and spousal age differences is not well studied. Thus, this study was to examine the spousal age difference on contraceptive use.

OBJECTIVE

This study was aimed to examine spousal age differences and its effect on contraceptive use among sexually active couples in Ethiopia.

METHODS

The related variables for this study were extracted from Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey 2016 data. IBM SPSS statistics version 20 software was used for analysis. Logistic regression was conducted to see the association between spousal age difference and contraceptive use. All analyses were adjusted for sample weights.

RESULTS

Out of the 7268 selected women for contraceptive usage questions, one fourth (25.3%) of them were between ages 25 and 29 and in almost all 7061 (98.4%) of them there was spousal age differences, 1555 (21.4%) of them were from poor socioeconomic group. Nearly all 7184 (98.8%) of them knew contraceptive method. However, among those sexually active in the last 4 weeks only two in five (41.2%) were using a contraceptive method. Spousal age difference was found to be significant factor and women older than their spouses were (AOR: 1.771, 95%CI: 1.276, 2.459) more likely and women having spouse's age difference greater than 10 years were 1.2% (AOR: .988, 95%CI: .848, 1.150) less likely to use contraception compared to those age difference is ten or less than years respectively. Also, women who were living in urban areas (AOR: 1.482, 95%CI: 1.161 to 1.890), current working status (AOR: 1.170; 95%CI: 1.033 to 1.325), from richest economic category (AOR: 2.560; 95%CI: 2.000 to 3.278) husband's education, couples' fertility preference (AOR: 1.233; 95%CI: 1.070 to 1.420) were contraception use predictors. Similarly, being Muslim by religion (AOR: .579 95%CI: 0.496 to 0.675) and husband based decision for their health care use were (AOR: .847, CI: .729 to .985) less likely to use contraception.

CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

This study found association between spousal age differences and contraceptive use. Similarly, women's age, age difference, place of residence, religion, current working status, socioeconomic, husband's education, living children and current pregnancy, the couples' fertility preference and who decides on health care use were found to be predictors of contraceptive use. Strengthening strategies for improving women's educational status, socio-economic and demographic that will help to limit the age differences and improve contraceptive use. Further study, including qualitative is recommended to dig out the why components and better understand this finding.

Exploring the relationship between intimate partner violence and contraception use by Tanzanian women

Intimate partner violence (IPV) can be described as a global epidemic which has long term effects on numerous aspects of life. The effect of IPV on contraception use is also wide-ranging and culturally bound. Among the continents, Africa has the highest IPV prevalence. The relationship between IPV on contraception use by Tanzanian women is explored in this study as an illustrative case. This is a descriptive cross-sectional design study, for which we utilized the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey Data 2015-2016. Data from the responses of 13,266 ever-partnered women were used in this study. The mean age of the respondents was 28.69 years, median 27. 63% of respondents used contraceptives. Women with more than three pregnancies were more likely to use contraceptives (OR: 1.56, 95% CI, p < .001). Education levels also correlated with contraceptive use. Notably, contraceptive use was also significantly lower among the Tanzanian women who were exposed to IPV, suggesting a need for appropriately tailored social interventions and support. The need for interventions relating to IPV to take into account the multifactorial nature of a woman's uptake of contraceptive methods is underlined.

Trends and predictors of changes in modern contraceptive use among women aged 15-49 years in Tanzania from 2004-2016: Evidence from Tanzania Demographic and Health Surveys

Introduction

Modern contraceptive use provides opportunities for women and couples to achieve optimal child spacing, achieve desired family size and reduce unsafe abortions. Despite these facts, modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) in Tanzania remains as low as 32%. This study aimed to determine trends and factors associated with changes in modern contraceptive use among women of reproductive age in Tanzania from 2004–2016.

Methodology

This was a cross-sectional study utilizing data from Tanzania Demographic and Health Surveys of 2004–2005, 2010 and 2015–2016. Data analysis was performed using Stata version 14. Analysis considered the complex survey design through application of weights, clustering and strata. Multivariable Poisson decomposition analysis was used to assess factors associated with changes in modern contraceptive use. Results were presented in the form of decomposition coefficients and percentages.

Results

Modern contraceptive use increased from 23.0% in 2004 to 34.3% in 2016. Differences in women’s characteristics contributed 12.5% of the increase in mCPR. These characteristics include partner’s education levels, recent sexual activity and being visited by a family planning worker. The difference in coefficients contributed 87.5% increase in mCPR. The most increase in modern contraceptive use was attributed to rural population (44.1%) and women who experienced a termination of pregnancy (7.1%).

Conclusion

Modern contraceptive use has steadily increased in Tanzania. Health policies and interventions need to target sexually active women, rural residents as well as less educated women and men to maintain and further accelerate the trends in mCPR. Interventions focusing on women who experienced a termination of pregnancy may also serve as an entry point to promote use of modern contraceptive methods.

Determinants of modern contraceptive use among married Somali women living in Kampala; a cross sectional survey

Background

Low contraceptive uptake exposes women to unintended pregnancies and often the resultant obstetric complications. The immigrant communities especially from countries with low contraceptive use present a unique challenge. The main objective of the study was to describe modern contraceptive use and associated factors among married Somali women living in Kampala.

Methods

A community based cross sectional survey was conducted among Somali women living in Kampala from August to November 2016. Using consecutive sampling, 341 respondents were recruited after informed consent. Data was collected using interviewer administered questionnaires on contraceptives use and factors associated. Data was entered in Epidata 3.1 and analyzed using STATA 11.0. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factors associated with use of modern contraceptives.

Results

Majority of the participants were refugees 317/341(94%), with a mean age of 30.4 (±6.7) years and 136/341 (40%) had no formal education. More than 325/341 (95%) of respondents desired to have five or more children (Average 9 + 3) and 164/341 (45%) had five or more living children. Only 29% of women were using modern contraceptives, of which 51% used oral pills, 15% condoms and 15% injectables. Having tertiary education, one who had ever used modern contraceptives and desire for spacing of more than two years were independently associated with current of use modern contraceptives.

Conclusions

The Contraceptive prevalence rate among married Somali women in Kampala was (29%). A majority of the respondents were using short acting contraceptive methods. Attaining tertiary education, ever use of modern contraceptives, those whose source of contraceptive information was health worker and desire to space for more than two years were associated with current use of modern contraceptives. There is a need for improvement of girl child education, contraceptive awareness and male involvement to increase contraceptive uptake in this community. Research looking at attitude of this community towards use of long term contraception is recommended.

Determinants of modern contraceptive use among married women of reproductive age: a cross-sectional study in rural Zambia

OBJECTIVE

Zambia is among the world's top 10 countries with higher fertility rate (5.5 births/woman); unmet family planning need for births spacing (14%) and limiting births (7%). Women in rural Zambia (24%) are reported to have unmet need for family planning than those in urban areas (17%). This study was conducted to ascertain factors associated with modern contraceptive use among rural Zambian women.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Rural Zambia.

PARTICIPANTS

Secondary data of 4903 married or cohabiting rural women (15-49 years) after filtering out the pregnant, urban based and unmarried women from 2013 to 2014 Zambian Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) were analysed using SPSS V.22. Multiple logistic regression, Pearson's χ² and descriptive statistics were performed to examine factors associated with modern contraceptive use.

RESULTS

Factors that were positively associated with contraceptive use were respondent's education (secondary adjusted ORs (AOR = 1.61, p≤0.002); higher (AOR = 2.39, p≤0.050)), wealth index (middle class, (AOR = 1.35, p≤0.005); rich (AOR = 2.04, p≤0.001) and richest (AOR = 1.95, p≤0.034)), high parity (1-2 (AOR = 5.31, p≤0.001); 3-4 (AOR = 7.06, p≤0.001); 5+ (AOR = 8.02, p≤0.001)), men older than women by <10 years (AOR = 1.50, p≤0.026) and women sensitised about family planning at health facility (AOR = 1.73, p≤0.001). However, old age (40-49 years (AOR = 0.49, p≤0.001)), other religions (Protestants, African traditionalists and Muslims) (AOR = 0.77, p≤0.007), ever had pregnancy miscarried, aborted or stillbirth (AOR = 0.78, p≤0.026) and women without knowledge of number of children husband desires (AOR = 0.71, p≤0.001) were negatively associated with contraceptive use.

CONCLUSION

Modern contraceptive use in rural Zambia among currently married women of reproductive age group is relatively low (43%). We recommend that appropriate interventions are instituted to increase contraceptive access and use especially among uneducated older rural Zambian women.

Determinants of family planning use among married women in bale eco-region, Southeast Ethiopia: a community based study

BACKGROUND

Family planning is the ability of individuals and couples to anticipate and attain their desired number of children and the spacing and timing of their births. Providing family planning could prevent maternal deaths by allowing women to delay motherhood, space births, avoid unintended pregnancies and abortions, and stop childbearing when they reach their desired family size. Despite the fact that family planning is advantageous for maternal and newborn health and the services and commodities are free of charge, the reason of not using modern family planning methods is unclear in Bale Eco-Region. Therefore, this study assessed the contraceptive prevalence rate and its determinants among women in Bale Eco-Region, Ethiopia.

METHODS

A community-based cross-sectional study design (both quantitative and qualitative methods) was conducted from December 2016 to February 2017. Five hundred sixty-seven women were successfully interviewed using structured and pre-tested questionnaire. A multistage sampling technique was employed. Data were entered into Epi-data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 21. Logistic regression analyses were done and a significant association was declared at p-value less than 0.05. All focus group discussions and key informant interviews were recorded and analyzed thematically.

RESULTS

The overall contraceptive prevalence rate was 41.5%. Injectable (48.1%), implants (22.6%) and pills (20.0%) were the most contraceptive methods utilized by study participants. Spousal (husband's) opposition (38.8%), religious beliefs (17.7%), concern and fear of side effects (14.8%), and distance of family planning service (5.9%) were the reasons for not using contraceptive methods. Having more than seven deliveries (AOR = 2.98, CI = 1.91-6.10, P = 0.000) and having birth interval less than 24 months between the last two children (AOR = 3.8, CI = 13.41-21.61, P = 0.003) were significantly associated with utilization of contraceptive methods.

CONCLUSION

Low contraceptive prevalence rate might be attributed by husband opposition, religious beliefs, concern and fear of side effects. Having more than seven deliveries and birth interval less than 24 months between the last two children were determinants of contraceptive use. Family planning consultation opportunities should be created to make male's involved and to increase their responsibility for family planning use.

Do health care reforms in Turkey have a significant effect in equal access to maternal and child health services in Turkey: An evidence from 20 years

This study aimed to investigate whether there was an improvement in the equitable access to maternal and child health care services by examining the effects of socioeconomic and individual factors in Turkey from 1993 to 2013 and determine the effectiveness of health care reforms implemented mainly under the Health Transformation Program since 2003 on equitable access t;o maternal and child health care services in terms of years. The study used nationally representative 5 Turkey Demographic and Health Surveys (1993, 1998, 2003, 2008, and 2013). Prenatal care utilization rate increased from 67.0% in 1993 to 96.2% in 2013 while the rate of women giving birth at health care facilities increased from 63.8% to 98.1% in 2013. Prenatal care utilization and giving birth at health care facilities were higher among women who were under health insurance coverage, first time mothers, those staying in the western region and urban areas, and those with the highest level of wealth. The findings suggest that the issue of equity in the utilization of maternal and child health care services exists in Turkey, and the latest health care reforms under HTP are not effective in diminishing the effect of wealth.