Submission ID 131759
| Issue/Objective | Modern contraceptive use remains persistently low across many sub-Saharan African countries, including Mozambique, reflecting deep-rooted inequalities that limits progress towards sexual and reproductive health and rights and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In a global context marked by uneven progress and shifting development priorities, inequitable access to family planning services continues to challenge collective commitments to health equity, gender equality, and reproductive rights. Generating nationally representative evidence on the prevalence, socioeconomic determinants, and inequalities in modern contraceptive use is essential to reclaiming equity and guiding equitable policy action in Mozambique. |
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| Methodology/Approach | We analyzed the most recent data from the Mozambique Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), 2022-2023, focusing on 11,783 reproductive-aged women (15-49 years). The outcome variable was current use of modern contraceptives, including oral contraceptive pills, intrauterine devices (IUD), injectables, diaphragm, male/female condoms, female/male sterilization, implants/Norplant, foam or jelly, and emergency contraception. Individual, household-related and community-level determinants of modern contraceptive use were examined employing multivariable logistic regression. Adjusted odds ratios with corresponding confidence intervals and p-values were reported. Erreygers Concentration Index (ECI) and concentration curves were used to assess wealth- and empowerment-related inequalities. |
| Results | Overall, 27.6% of women reported current use of modern contraceptive methods. Women aged 40-49 years, having higher education, being employed, having higher parity, greater household wealth, and having a partner with higher education were positively associated with modern contraceptive use. Significant wealth-related (ECI = 0.32, p < 0.001) and women's empowerment-related (ECI = 0.26, p < 0.001) inequalities were observed, indicating that wealthier and more empowered women had higher use of modern contraceptive methods than less affluent women. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | Modern contraceptive use in Mozambique remains suboptimal and is shaped by intersecting individual, household, and structural determinants, with marked wealth- and empowerment-related disparities. Our findings underscore the urgent need to restore and strengthen equity-centred commitments in family planning through targeted and rights-based interventions. Promoting women's autonomy, engaging male partners, and expanding media- and community-driven strategies are critical to translating evidence into action. Reclaiming global health equity in uncertain times will require sustained political will and coordinated efforts to ensure no woman is left behind in achieving national and global reproductive health goals. |
| Presenters and Affiliations | Nahin Shakurun University of Saskatchewan Nahin Shakurun University of Saskatchewan Fernanda Andre University of Saskatchewan Nazeem Muhajarine University of Saskatchewan |
