Unmet need for modern contraception among adolescent girls and young women in sub-Saharan African Countries

Anas M. Malami, Samkeliso G. Shongwe, Okunlola MA, Morhason-Bello IO

Abstract

In sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), adolecsent girls and young women (AGYW) encounter numerous obstacles related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), one of which is the unfulfilled need for contemporary contraception. Unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and high fertility rates are still common among this population group despite global efforts to increase access to family planning, which has a negative impact on the health of both mothers and children. Utilizing data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) carried out in 26 countries throughout the region, this study analysed a weighted sample of 85,648 AGYWs aged 15–24 to investigate the determinants of unmet need for contraceptives among in SSA. The study utilized binary logistic regression to investigate determinants of unmet need. The pooled prevalence of unmet need for modern contraception was 27.0%. The results show that unmet need for contraception was significantly associated with several determinants. Being highly educated (AOR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.46–1.97, p<0.001), residing in one place for 15–19 years (AOR=1.59, 1.37-1.77, p<0.001) were associated with higher odds of unmet need for contraceptives. However, being aged 15–19 (AOR=0.89, 95% CI: 0.85–0.93, p<0.001), history of pregnancy termination (AOR=0.73, 95% CI: 0.68–0.80, p<0.001), using calendar-based contraceptives (AOR=0.16, 95% CI: 0.15–0.17, p<0.001) living in rural (AOR=0.80, 95% CI: 0.76–0.85, p<0.001) were associate will lower odds of unmet need for contraceptives. In conclusion, this study provides critical insights into the determinants of unmet contraceptive needs among AGYW in SSA, highlighting the influence of education, residential stability, age, reproductive history, contraceptive method choice, and geographic location.

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