Prevalence and predictors of use of long-term and short-acting reversible contraceptives among women of reproductive age in Wakiso and Hoima districts, Uganda

A cross-sectional study

Bibliographic Data

ID19593153
AuthorsMalachi Ochieng Arunda (0000-0001-9236-7210, Karolinska Institutet, corresponding author), Babirye Mary Estellah (Karolinska Institutet, corresponding author), Carl Fredrik Sjöland (0000-0003-3594-8849, Karolinska Institutet, corresponding author), Emmanuel Kyasanku (0000-0002-9706-278X, corresponding author), Stephen Mugamba (0009-0009-1608-7247, corresponding author), Vitalis Ofumbi Olwa (0000-0002-9912-2272, corresponding author), Robert Bulamba (0000-0001-7870-5041, Makerere University, corresponding author), Phillip Kato (corresponding author), James Nkale (corresponding author), Fred Nalugoda (0000-0001-6119-9293, corresponding author), Grace Kigozi (corresponding author), Grace Nalwoga Kigozi, Gertrude Nakigozi (0000-0001-6193-2790, corresponding author), Godfrey Kigozi (0009-0008-9142-6870, corresponding author), Joseph Kagaayi (0000-0003-4101-3038, Makerere University, corresponding author), Deusdedit Kiwanuka (corresponding author), Stephen Watya (0000-0001-7154-4388, corresponding author), Anna Mia Ekström (0000-0002-3912-1171, Karolinska Institutet, corresponding author), Elin C Larsson (0000-0002-5189-808X, Karolinska Institutet, corresponding author)
EditorsAnushka Ataullahjan (0000-0001-5261-5523)
Year2023
Volume3
Issue12
Pagese0002688
Publication date2023-12-11
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenuePLOS Global Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2767-3375 • E-ISSN: 2767-3375
PublisherPublic Library of Science (PLoS) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1371/journal.pgph.0002688
PMID38079382
OpenAlexW4389547713
LanguageEN
References cited40

Modern contraceptive use has increased globally, but unmet needs persist in low- and middle-income countries. This study in Uganda aimed to examine the prevalence and factors influencing the use of short-acting reversible contraceptives (SARC) like pills and long-term methods such as intrauterine devices. Limited evidence exists on the use of SARC and long-term methods in Uganda. Data from the Africa Medical and Behavioural Sciences Organization (AMBSO) Population Health Surveillance (APHS) in Hoima and Wakiso districts were analysed. Among the 1642 women aged 15–49 years, the prevalence of modern contraceptive use was 30% for SARC, and 18% for long-term method. Women with formal education were three times more likely to use long-term methods than those without formal education, relative risk ratios (RRR), 3.1–3.4, (95%CI 1.2–8.2). Joint decision-making for contraceptive use increased SARC usage, RRR 1.4 (95%CI 1.1–1.8). Urbanization played a role, with women in more urbanized Wakiso district less likely to use any modern contraception, RRR 0.6–0.7 (95%CI 0.5–0.9) compared to those living in the less urbanized Hoima. About half of the women in the study used modern contraceptives and the use of SARC was almost twice that of long-term methods. Increased access to contraception education for all women of reproductive age could significantly improve the use of long-term methods which offer more reliable protection against unintended pregnancies. The findings shed light on the need to strengthen both general and sexuality education to girls and women and to tailor contraception access for all in need, for mobile semi-urban as well as rural women. Well-informed strategies that engage young men and male partners in informed decision-making for contraceptive use could enhance progress

Cross-sectional study · Environmental health · Family planning · Fertility · Formal education · Pill · Population · Reproductive health · Research methodology · Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health · Demography · Global Maternal and Child Health · Medicine · Psychology · Reproductive Health and Contraception