Prevalence and socio-economic factors determining use of modern contraception among married men in Kyrgyzstan: evidence from a demographic and health survey

•Low (22.2%) prevalence of modern contraceptive use (MCU) among married men in Kyrgyzstan.•Predictors of MCU: three living children and unemployment, with reverse association displayed by richer quintile.•Strengthen FP communication programmes, pay attention to socioeconomic determinants of MCU and educate married men.•Emphasis should be given to more use in high socio-economic status individuals.

ObjectivesThis study aimed to estimate the prevalence of modern contraceptive use (MCU), and to identify socio-economic factors that are associated with MCU among married men in Kyrgyzstan.Study designA cross-sectional study based on the 2012 Kyrgyzstan Demographic and Health Survey data.MethodsThis study used data from 460 married men aged 20-49 years. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's Chi-squared test and logistic regression were used to estimate the prevalence of MCU, and to define factors that influence MCU among married men in Kyrgyzstan.ResultsThe prevalence of MCU among married men aged 20-49 years was 22.2%. Men in the richer quintile were less likely to use modern contraceptives than men in the poorest quintile (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.267, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.100-0.715). Men with three living children had higher odds of MCU than men with no children or one child (aOR 3.534, 95% CI 1.221-10.229). Men who were unemployed were more likely to use modern contraceptives than men who were employed as manual labourers (aOR 4.511, 95% CI 1.104-18.442).ConclusionTop priority should be given to strengthening family planning communication programmes among married men and male education. There is a need to pay attention to the socio-economic determinants of MCU among men in the development of family planning programmes. Emphasis should be placed on increasing MCU among men with high socio-economic status.