Use of long-acting reversible contraception among adolescents and young women in Kenya

Abstract

The Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS 2014) revealed changing patterns in the contraceptive use of young women aged 15–24, shifting from injectable methods to implants. Long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) is user friendly, long-term, and more effective than other modern methods. It could be a game-changer in dealing with unintended pregnancies and herald a new chapter in the reproductive health and rights of young women. This study determined the factors associated with LARC use among adolescent girls and young women to expand the evidence of its potential as the most effective method of reducing unwanted pregnancies among the cohort. This study analysed secondary data from KDHS 2014 using binary logistic regression. The findings showed a rise in LARC use (18%), with identified predictors of reduced odds being aged 15–19 [OR = 0.735, 95% CI = 0.549–0.984], residence (rural) [OR = 0.674, CI = 0.525–0.865], religion (Protestant/other Christian) [OR = 0.377, CI = 0.168–0.842], married, [OR = 0.746, CI = 0.592–0.940], and region (high contraception) [OR = 0.773, CI = 0.626–0.955], while the number of living children showed increased odds for 1–2 children [OR = 17.624, CI = 9.482–32.756] and 3+ children [OR = 23.531, CI = 11.751–47.119]. This study established the rising popularity of LARC and identified factors that can be addressed to promote it. Its increased uptake could help Kenya achieve the International Conference on Population and Development 25’s first and second commitments on teenage pregnancies and maternal and new-born health, thus promoting the health, wellbeing, educational goals, and rights of this critical cohort. This study can guide the accelerated efforts needed in Kenya’s march towards the five zeros of unmet need for contraception, teenage pregnancies, unsafe abortions, preventable maternal deaths, and preventable neonatal/infant deaths.

Utilization of Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives and Associated Factors Among Reproductive Age Women Attending Governmental Health Institutions for Family Planning Services in Wondo Genet District, Sidama, National Regional State, Southern Ethiopia

“…Previous studies conducted in Arsi Negel 33.5% 16 , 14 Wolaita Zone 38%, 17 Hossana 36.5%, 18 Gondar City 33.7%, 16 Harar City 38%, 19 and Afar Region 33.4% 20 reported the similar finding. The finding was higher than the study done in different parts of Ethiopia, 21 - 25 Kenya, 26 , 27 Uganda 28 and Nepal. 29 Increased utilization of LARCs in this might be due to improved awareness of women on LARCs and differences in study time, setting, and socio-demographic backgrounds.…”

Prevalence and predictors of long-acting reversible contraceptive use among sexually active women in 26 sub-Saharan African countries

“…This is contrary to a study conducted in Kenya that showed more LARC usage among those ages 20–24 y. 46 Increasing LARC usage in SSA countries will require continuous community awareness campaigns to counteract negative perceptions and misinformation. 47 …”

Prevalence of and factors associated with contraceptive discontinuation in Kenya

“…Age is a very strong determinant of contraceptive method choice in both short-term and long-term methods because contraceptive intentions of spacing or limiting, which influence the choice of the method, vary significantly with age, hence its influence on continuation and discontinuation. 42 …”