Association between interspousal communication on family planning and contraceptive use: a cross-sectional study in Temeke municipality, Tanzania.
4 affiliations
- 1Centre for Communication Studies, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of.
- 2Foreign Languages and Linguistics, University of Dar es Salaam, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic of.
- 3Department of Social Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, Mbeya, Tanzania, United Republic of.
- 4Social Sciences, University of Dar es Salaam Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, Mbeya, Tanzania, United Republic of.
Abstract
Introduction
Interspousal communication is a key determinant of contraceptive use. In Tanzania, where fertility rates remain high, the extent to which spousal dialogue influences the adoption of family planning (FP) methods remains underexplored. This study examined the association between interspousal communication and contraceptive use among couples in Temeke Municipality.Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in Temeke, Tanzania, involving 342 married couples aged 18-49 years. Participants were selected using two-stage cluster random sampling. Data on FP use and interspousal communication were collected via structured questionnaires and analysed using STATA V.18. We examined crude associations using bivariate logistic regression and an adjusted analysis using a multivariable logistic regression model.Results
The prevalence of FP use among women was 88%. Overall, 78.9% of couples had concordant reports indicating that both spouses independently confirmed discussing FP with each other. In multivariable analysis, couples who engaged in FP discussions were significantly more likely to use contraceptives (adjusted OR=15.2, 95% CI 5.87 to 39.49, p<0.001). Other significant predictors included the number of children and exposure to FP programmes. Education and employment status were not independently associated with FP use after adjustment.Conclusions
Interspousal communication is associated with contraceptive use among couples in Tanzania. These findings highlight the significance of incorporating couple-based communication strategies into reproductive health programmes. Interventions that encourage open dialogue between spouses could enhance contraceptive uptake and facilitate informed decision-making regarding reproductive health.
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BibTeX
@article{mshubilo2026association,
title = {{Association between interspousal communication on family planning and contraceptive use: a cross-sectional study in Temeke municipality, Tanzania.}},
author = {Agbert Timotheo Mshubilo and Rose Upor and Christopher Hariri Mbotwa and Bernard Ngowi},
journal = {BMJ public health},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1136/bmjph-2025-004004},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42968909},
note = {CC BY-NC},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Association between interspousal communication on family planning and contraceptive use: a cross-sectional study in Temeke municipality, Tanzania.
AU - Agbert Timotheo Mshubilo
AU - Rose Upor
AU - Christopher Hariri Mbotwa
AU - Bernard Ngowi
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/27
JO - BMJ public health
DO - 10.1136/bmjph-2025-004004
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/42968909
AB - Introduction Interspousal communication is a key determinant of contraceptive use. In Tanzania, where fertility rates remain high, the extent to which spousal dialogue influences the adoption of family planning (FP) methods remains underexplored. This study examined the association between interspousal communication and contraceptive use among couples in Temeke Municipality.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Temeke, Tanzania, involving 342 married couples aged 18-49 years. Participants were selected using two-stage cluster random sampling. Data on FP use and interspousal communication were collected via structured questionnaires and analysed using STATA V.18. We examined crude associations using bivariate logistic regression and an adjusted analysis using a multivariable logistic regression model.Results The prevalence of FP use among women was 88%. Overall, 78.9% of couples had concordant reports indicating that both spouses independently confirmed discussing FP with each other. In multivariable analysis, couples who engaged in FP discussions were significantly more likely to use contraceptives (adjusted OR=15.2, 95% CI 5.87 to 39.49, p<0.001). Other significant predictors included the number of children and exposure to FP programmes. Education and employment status were not independently associated with FP use after adjustment.Conclusions Interspousal communication is associated with contraceptive use among couples in Tanzania. These findings highlight the significance of incorporating couple-based communication strategies into reproductive health programmes. Interventions that encourage open dialogue between spouses could enhance contraceptive uptake and facilitate informed decision-making regarding reproductive health.
SN - 2753-4294
ER -