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Factors associated with modern contraceptive use: a comparative analysis between younger and older women in Umlazi Township, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Journal
Women's Health
ISSN
1745-5057
Date Issued
2021-01
Author(s)
Mbuzeleni Hlongwa
Chester Kalinda
Karl Peltzer
Khumbulani Hlongwana
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1177/17455065211060641
Abstract
Introduction:
Unplanned pregnancy continues to be a global reproductive and public health concern among women.
This study aimed to investigate whether factors associated with modern contraceptive use differ by age-group among
young and older women of reproductive age.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 433 women of reproductive age, with the median age
of 25 years (interquartile range: 21–28), and aged between 18 and 49. Data were collected from 10 public health care
clinics in Umlazi Township, KwaZulu-Natal, using a structured questionnaire. Data were coded, entered into Epi Data
Manager and exported to Stata for analysis. A Pearson’s chi-square test and logistic regression models were employed
to assess the level of the association between the predictor and outcome variables, and the p-value of 0.05 or lower
was considered statistically significant.
Results:
Most women in the sample (n=351, 81%) had obtained a secondary level of education, while 53% (n=230)
were unemployed and 89% (n=387) were single. We found that women with secondary level of education (AOR: 2.89,
95% CI: 0.99–5.38) or a tertiary level of education (AOR 3.80, 95% CI: 1.07–3.53) were more likely to use contraceptive
methods compared to women with lower education. Women who experienced unplanned pregnancy (AOR 0.51, 95%
CI: 0.22–3.79) were more likely to use contraceptives. Women aged 25–49 years who experienced pregnancy, whether
planned (AOR 3.87, 95% CI: 1.08–3.89) or unplanned (AOR 3.60, 95% CI: 2.15–4.19), were more likely to use a
contraceptive method. Results showed that the level of education (p=0.942) and whether one experienced unplanned
pregnancy (p=0.913) were not significant predictors of contraceptive use among women aged 18–24 years.
Conclusion:
Concerted educational efforts to addressing existing barriers deterring women from accessing
contraception among young women are necessary. Different groups of women should be targeted with family planning
interventions specific to their needs
Unplanned pregnancy continues to be a global reproductive and public health concern among women.
This study aimed to investigate whether factors associated with modern contraceptive use differ by age-group among
young and older women of reproductive age.
Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study conducted among 433 women of reproductive age, with the median age
of 25 years (interquartile range: 21–28), and aged between 18 and 49. Data were collected from 10 public health care
clinics in Umlazi Township, KwaZulu-Natal, using a structured questionnaire. Data were coded, entered into Epi Data
Manager and exported to Stata for analysis. A Pearson’s chi-square test and logistic regression models were employed
to assess the level of the association between the predictor and outcome variables, and the p-value of 0.05 or lower
was considered statistically significant.
Results:
Most women in the sample (n=351, 81%) had obtained a secondary level of education, while 53% (n=230)
were unemployed and 89% (n=387) were single. We found that women with secondary level of education (AOR: 2.89,
95% CI: 0.99–5.38) or a tertiary level of education (AOR 3.80, 95% CI: 1.07–3.53) were more likely to use contraceptive
methods compared to women with lower education. Women who experienced unplanned pregnancy (AOR 0.51, 95%
CI: 0.22–3.79) were more likely to use contraceptives. Women aged 25–49 years who experienced pregnancy, whether
planned (AOR 3.87, 95% CI: 1.08–3.89) or unplanned (AOR 3.60, 95% CI: 2.15–4.19), were more likely to use a
contraceptive method. Results showed that the level of education (p=0.942) and whether one experienced unplanned
pregnancy (p=0.913) were not significant predictors of contraceptive use among women aged 18–24 years.
Conclusion:
Concerted educational efforts to addressing existing barriers deterring women from accessing
contraception among young women are necessary. Different groups of women should be targeted with family planning
interventions specific to their needs
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