Understanding the association between informed choice and long‐term reversible contraception among Ugandan women: Findings from the 2016 Demographic Health Survey

Abstract

Objectives To understand the relationship between informed choice and long‐acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) use among women aged 15–49 years in Uganda after adjusting for potential confounding. Methods This cross‐sectional study uses data from the 2016 Uganda Standard Demographic and Health Survey. Thomas‐Rao corrections to a χ2 test were used for the bivariable analysis. A design‐adjusted multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the association between informed choice and LARC use. Propensity score matching was conducted as a sensitivity analysis. Results In all, 3646 women were included in the analysis and 975 reported using a LARC. In the design‐adjusted multivariable analysis, the odds of reporting LARC usage were 1.98 (95% confidence interval 1.61–2.43) times higher among women who reported informed choice compared with those who did not. The subsequent propensity score analysis reported similar findings. Conclusion Providing informed choice can help to increase the number of women who use LARC in Uganda. As such, the Ugandan Ministry of Health should further expand access to family planning counseling as it could contribute to the reduction of unplanned pregnancies across Uganda with the use of LARC.

Prevalence and predictors of use of long-term and short-acting reversible contraceptives among women of reproductive age in Wakiso and Hoima districts, Uganda: A cross-sectional study

“…Very few studies in Uganda have examined the prevalence and factors associated with use of short-acting and long-term contraceptive methods [ 31 , 32 ]. A 2016 study by Dau et al using nationally representative data indicated that 26% of women aged 15–49 used long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) in Uganda [ 32 ]. Further, qualitative studies conducted in Uganda have explored phenomena of knowledge and change of attitudes based on very few participants and thus may not be generalizable to majority of Ugandans [ 33 ].…”

“…Studies conducted in LMICs have broadly focused on investigating the prevalence of general modern contraceptive use [18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28][29][30]. Very few studies in Uganda have examined the prevalence and factors associated with use of short-acting and long-term contraceptive methods [31,32]. A 2016 study by Dau et al using nationally representative data indicated that 26% of women aged 15-49 used long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) in Uganda [32].…”