Low Use of Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives in Tanzania: Evidence from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey

Abstract

We aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with the use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) among women of reproductive age in Tanzania. We analyzed the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 2015 to 2016. The study included 8189 women aged 15–49 years. The relationship between various factors and LARC use was determined through various analyses. Among women with a partner/husband, 7.27% used LARCs, 21.07% were grand multiparous, and 20.56% did not desire more children. Women aged 36–49 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)-2.10, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11–3.96), who completed secondary education (AOR-1.64, 95% CI: 1.05–2.55), who did not desire more children (AOR-2.28, 95% CI: 1.53–3.41), with a partner with primary level education (AOR-2.02, 95% CI: 1.34–3.02), or living in richer households (AOR-1.60, 95% CI: 1.12–2.27) were more likely to use LARCs. Further, women with a partner who wanted more children were less likely to use LARCs (AOR-0.69, 95% CI: 0.54–0.90). Tanzania has a low LARC usage rate. Women’s age, wife and partner’s education status, couple’s desire for more children, and household wealth index influenced the use of LARCs, highlighting the need to reach more couples of lower socioeconomic status to improve LARC utilization.

Prevalence and Determinants of Contraceptive Use Among Men in Tanzania: Analysis of Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey 2022

“…The analysis used the men's le (MR) to elicit men's information towards the use of contraceptive in Tanzania. In addition, this analysis involved some variables that were used in other similar studies conducted previously (Kikula et al, 2022;Marquez et al, 2013).…”

“…Independent variables involved men's demographic characteristics including age, education level, marital status, area of residence, wealth quintile, occupation, parity, desire for another child, knowledge on contraceptive methods, heard family planning on radio, contraceptive is women's business, women using contraception become promiscuous, watching television, discussion with health worker about contraception (Kikula et al, 2022).…”

“…This has led to the promotion of diverse contraceptive methods in sub-Saharan Africa, where individuals used to have a high number of children in the past, regardless of their gender (Boserup, 2009;Caldwell, 2009). Recently, there has been a rise in the variety of contraceptive methods available in Tanzania, and the desire to use the methods differs across different age groups, sex and geographical location (Kikula et al, 2022;Massenga et al, 2021;Msovela, 2016;Rwabilimbo et al, 2023). The younger population has been found to be hesitant in utilizing contraceptive methods in comparison to the elderly.…”