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

The use of modern contraceptives (MC) to protect against sexually transmitted diseases, unwanted pregnancy and mortality as a result of unsafe abortion is low in many African countries. This study sought to determine the coverage and factors associated with the use of MC among women of child-bearing age in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Data for the study were obtained from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted in 37 SSA countries. Interpretation of the data focussed on women of children bearing age (15–49 years). The 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 MC if they had no education, no children, were not told of family planning at a health facility, had not heard of family planning on the Television, radio, newspaper and were poor. On the other hand, women who were between 35–39 years, were married, had seven or more children, had knowledge of any method of contraceptives and had a field worker visited and talked about family planning were more likely to use modern contraceptives. The study showed a low prevalence of MC use in sub-Saharan Africa. The results from the study is important and emphasize the need to provide education to women of child-bearing age to increase uptake of MC to reduce mortality and improve on women’s health and well-being.