Prevalence and Factors Associated with Modern Contraceptive Use among Married Women of Reproductive Age in Tanzania: Evidence from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.4314/eajph.v17i2.78Abstract
Introduction: In Tanzania, there is limited evidence on the modern contraceptive use among married women. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with modern contraceptive use among married women aged 15-49 years.
Methods: This study analyzed secondary data, including a total weighted sample of 9,252 married women from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS). A dependent variable was modern contraceptive use, while independent variables were demographic and socio-economic characteristics of married women. Chi-square test and modified Poisson regression were performed. A significance threshold of p-value <0.05 was used.
Results: The prevalence of modern contraceptive use among married women was 31.1% (95% CI: 29.7-32.0). After controlling for other covariates, married women with secondary or higher education (APR=1.24; 95%CI:1.07-1.44), those from the richest households (APR=1.53; 95%CI:1.15-1.59), and those who had 5 or more parity (APR=10.13; 95%CI:5.46-18.76) had a higher prevalence of using modern contraceptives than their counterparts. Married women who were residing in the Southern zone (APR=1.66; 95%CI:1.49-1.85), those who were working (APR=1.23; 95%CI:1.12-1.35), and those who desired to have more children after two or more years (APR=2.01; 95%CI:1.79-2.27) had a higher prevalence of using modern contraceptives than their counterparts. Equally, married women who resided in rural areas (APR=0.84; 95%CI:0.76-0.93) and those who experienced a terminated pregnancy (APR=0.89; 95%CI:0.80-0.98) had a lower prevalence of modern contraceptive use than their counterparts.
Conclusion: The use of modern contraceptive was low and associated with women’s parity, education level, wealth index, working status and fertility preferences. Tailored programmes targeting women to improve their health education are crucial for increasing the use of modern contraceptives.
