Contraceptive Use and Method-Mix Dynamics in Sub-Saharan Africa

Ayaga A. Bawah , University of Ghana
Pearl S. Kyei, University of Ghana
Charles Asabere, University of Ghana, Regional Institute for Population Studies

This paper conducts extensive analysis of trends in contraceptive use and method mix dynamics in sub-Saharan Africa. Method mix refers to the distribution of contraceptive use among the sexually active population. Contraceptive use dynamics continues to be of priority in sub-Saharan Africa because of persistent high levels of fertility. We seek to examine how contraceptive method mix dynamics changed over time. We hypothesize that the HIV pandemic in the region is driving an increase in the use of barrier methods. If so, do these trends differ for married versus unmarried women? What are the determinants for method choice and have these changed over time? We use DHS data from 18 countries to conduct extensive analyses to answer these questions. Preliminary findings suggests that use of barrier methods for unmarried women rose significantly between the late 1980s and late 2000s in the region in tandem with trends in HIV prevalence.

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 Presented in Session 27. Examining the Role of Population and Reproductive Health Policies and Practices