Young Women’s Empowerment and Contraceptive Use in Cambodia

Mai Do , Tulane University School of Public Health

This study examined the relationship between women’s empowerment and contraceptive use among young, married women aged 15-24 in Cambodia. Data came from the 2014 DHS. The outcome was measured by 1) current use of any contraception, and 2) choice of female-only versus couple contraceptives. Empowerment was measured by attitudes towards domestic violence, two household economy and three decision making variables. There were consistent, positive associations between house/land ownership and contraceptive use. Decision making in how to spend women’s earnings was the only other empowerment variable related to the outcome. Attitudes towards domestic violence was not related to contraceptive use in Cambodia. The study provides evidence of the importance of women’s empowerment to contraceptive use in Cambodia. It contributes to the understanding of contraceptive needs and preferences of young women so that family planning programs could ensure method availability to meet the demand, while respecting their choice of methods.

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 Presented in Session 2. Children & Youth