Association between contraceptive use and socio-demographic factors of young fecund women in Bangladesh

- We examined the association between socio-demographic factors and contraceptive use among young fecund women.
- Contraceptive use is associated with desire for children, given FP methods, decision making autonomy, religion, and living children.
- Regional and urban-rural variations were also observed with use of contraceptives.
- Noticeable portions of young women are at risk of encountering unintended pregnancies.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the association between socio-demographic factors and contraceptive use among fecund women under 25 years old.MethodsThis study utilized a cross-sectional data (n = 3744) extracted from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2011. Differences in the use of contraceptives by socio-demographic characteristics were assessed by χ2 analyses. Binary logistic regression was used to identify the determinants of contraceptive use among young women.ResultsThis study observed that 71% fecund women aged below 25 years used contraceptives. Getting family planning (FP) methods from FP workers increases the likelihood of using contraceptives among young women because outreach activities by FP workers and accessibility of FP related information pave the way of using contraceptives. Husband-wife joint participation in decision making on health care increases the likelihood of using contraceptives. Participation of women in decision making on health care could be achieved by promoting higher education and gainful employment for women.ConclusionsReproductive and sex education should be introduced in schools to prepare the young for healthy and responsible living. Moreover, policy makers should focus on developing negotiation skills in young women by creating educational and employment opportunities since husband-wife joint participation in decision making increases contraceptive use.