Determinants of unmet need for contraception among women aged 15 - 49 years

Abstract

This study explored the determinants of unmet need for contraception among sexually active never- married women in Uganda. While most research concentrates much on the unmet need for contraception among married women, this focuses on never-married women. This study used secondary data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Healthy Survey t. A total of 18506 women were interviewed, 4367 women were never-married and sexually active. Data was analyzed using STATA into frequency tables using percentages and association between the dependent and independent variables was tested using chi square tests. Most (68.19%) of the respondents were aged 15- 19, and most of the respondents (67.62%) were residing in rural areas with at least primary level of education (50.84%). The biggest proportion (32.61%) of the respondents was coming from richest income households, majority was Catholics (38.63%) and a small proportion (23%) was using modern contraceptives.32 percent have an unmet need for family planning, and 51 percent are currently using a contraceptive method. The total demand for family planning among unmarried sexually active women is 83 percent, and at present 61 percent of the potential demand for family planning is being met. Age, region, place of residence and education level were found to influence the need and demand for contraception use and family planning.

Conclusively, it is highly evident that there is an unmet need for contraception among sexually never- married women in Uganda and the economic growth and development of the country lies in its demographics. Well revised and practiced policies and strategies can help the country prosper, thus, challenges of access, acceptability, affordability and information have to be addressed by agencies, NGOs and government to ensure access to all individuals in need as a way of harnessing Africa’s population dynamics for sustainable development. Therefore, Uganda’s demographic situation should be given attention of the highest order for her to gain the demographic dividend