Levels, trends and reasons for unmet need for family planning among married women in Botswana: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study are: (1) to estimate the prevalence of unmet need for family planning among married women using Botswana Family Health Survey 2007 data and (2) to identify risk factors for unmet need for family planning among married women.DesignThis study used secondary data from a cross-sectional survey that was conducted to provide a snapshot of health issues in Botswana.SettingNationally representative population survey data.Participants2601 married or in union women aged 15–49 years who participated in the 2007 Botswana Family Health Survey were included in the analysis.Primary outcomeUnmet need for family planning, which was defined as the percentage of all fecund married women who are not using a method of contraception even though they do not want to get pregnant.ResultsMarried women who had unmet need for family planning were 9.6% in 2007. Most of the unmet need was for limiting (6.7%) compared to spacing (2.9%). Unmet need for family planning was more likely to be among women whose partners disapproved of family planning, non-Christians, had one partner and had never discussed family planning with their partner. Women of low parity, aged 25–34 years, and greater exposure to mass media, were less likely to have experienced unmet need. The patterns and magnitude of covariates differed between unmet need for limiting and for spacing.ConclusionsThe prevalence of unmet need for family planning was low in Botswana compared to other sub-Saharan African countries. The findings from this study reemphasise the importance of women's empowerment and men's involvement in women's sexual and reproductive healthcare needs and services. Different approaches are needed to satisfy the demand for family planning for spacing and limiting.

Unmet needs for family planning in a municipal area in North Kerala, India

“…Another study in done in Botswana reports lower unmet need (total-9.6%; 6.7% for limiting and 2.9% for spacing). 8 Nearly half of women (48.9%) were currently using contraceptives; which is lower compared to some other studies done in other parts of rural Kerala (70.3%). 6 In a community based cross-sectional survey conducted in villages of Mukkam in Kerala, India during 2012-2013, 70.3% of women with mean age 33.29 years (SD 8.57) were practicing contraception at the time of study.…”

“…9 The most common reason for not accepting contraception in Botswana study was health problems stated by 1/3 rd and 18.7% stated inconvenience. 8 Partner opposition was stated by 12.2% only compared to 24.4% in our study showing that our women have less decision making power in such matters as regulating her own fertility. 8 Partner's disapproval was stated by 34.2%, lack awareness by 27.8% and fear side effects by 24.1% in the Bihar study.…”

“…8 Partner opposition was stated by 12.2% only compared to 24.4% in our study showing that our women have less decision making power in such matters as regulating her own fertility. 8 Partner's disapproval was stated by 34.2%, lack awareness by 27.8% and fear side effects by 24.1% in the Bihar study. 4 The most common reason was similar to the findings by population council that is fear of complications.…”

“…It was highest among uneducated and those aged 35-49 years. 8 In a Bangladesh study, employment and age were found to be significant influencing factors whereas, current age, age at marriage and parity were found not to be associated in Sudan study. 7,11 There education of both woman and husband and her occupation played a role.…”

Assessment of Unmet Needs of Family Planning and Reasons for Non-Use of Contraceptive Methods among Women in Reproductive Age in Rural Community

“…Younger, low-parity, Muslim women were significantly less likely than older, high-parity, non-Muslim women to have an unmet need to limit fertility. A cross-sectional study conducted in Botswana [16] using data from Botswana family Health Survey 2007 revealed that Married women who had unmet need for family planning were 9.6% in 2007. Most of the unmet need was for limiting (6.7%) compared to spacing (2.9%).…”