Patterns and correlates of intention to use contraceptives among fecund sexually active women in developing countries

BACKGROUND: Understanding a woman’s future contraceptive needs and enhancing her chances of putting those needs into action depend heavily on her intentions to use contraceptive methods. However, there is little information about global perspectives of intention to utilise contraceptives among fecund sexually active women. OBJECTIVES: This study examines the patterns and determinants of contraception intention of fecund sexually active women. METHODS: The most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) from 59 countries were used for secondary data analysis. The DHSs applied a cross-sectional survey design to collect data from women between the ages of 15 and 49. The study comprises a sample of 697,590 fecund sexually active women in the reproductive ages. The desire to utilise contraceptive methods was examined using a multivariable binary logistic regression analysis. All analyses were weighted to allow for a complex survey design. RESULTS: A pooled prevalence of intention to utilise contraception was 42.8% (95% CI: 42.5, 43.1) at the global level. Eastern and Southern Europe had the lowest prevalence, 17.3% (95% CI: 16.4, 18.2), and the highest prevalence was observed in countries from Latin America and the Caribbean, 68.0% (95% CI: 67.5, 69.9). Attaining secondary-level education (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.68; 95% CI: 1.62–1.72) or higher (aOR = 1.71; 95% CI: 1.63–1.80), working (aOR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.18–1.24), experience of a pregnancy loss (aOR = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.03–1.09), or being exposed to media family planning messages (aOR = 1.51; 95% CI: 1.48–1.55) were factors associated with an increased likelihood of intent to use contraceptives. CONCLUSIONS: The study has established that contraceptive use intention was low in many developing countries. Education, age, employment status, fertility preference, and exposure to family planning messages influenced contraceptive use intention. Health policy-makers ought to consider these factors when designing sexual and reproductive health strategies in developing countries.