Predictors of modern contraceptive use among reproductive-aged women (15-49 years) in Mozambique: Evidence from Mozambique Demographic and Health Survey.
- 1U of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Population Health and Evaluation Research Unit (SPHERU)
Abstract
BackgroundModern contraceptive use remains low in many sub-Saharan African countries, including Mozambique, limiting progress towards sexual and reproductive health and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Understanding the prevalence, determinants, and inequalities in modern contraceptive use based on Mozambique-wide national survey is critical to informing effective family planning interventions.
MethodWe analyzed the most recent data from the Mozambique Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), 2022-2023, focusing on a total of 11,783 reproductive-aged women (15-49 years). The outcome variable was current use of modern contraceptives. Several individual, household-related and community determinants of modern contraceptives were examined employing multivariable logistic regression. Adjusted odds ratio 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. All analyses were conducted on weighted data.
ResultOverall, 27.6% of women reported current use of modern contraceptive methods. Younger age, higher education, being employed, higher parity, greater wealth, and a partner with higher education were positively associated with modern contraceptive use. Significant wealth-related (ECI = 0.32, p < 0.001) and womens 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.
ConclusionModern contraceptive use in Mozambique is suboptimal and influenced by a combination of individual, household, and contextual factors, with marked socioeconomic and empowerment-related disparities. Policy interventions should focus on improving access to and encouraging use of contraceptives for economically disadvantaged and women with low-empowerment, promoting womens autonomy, enhancing male involvement, and leveraging media and community-based programs to increase awareness and uptake. Equity-focused strategies are essential to achieving national and global family planning targets.
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BibTeX
@misc{shakurun2026predictors,
title = {{Predictors of modern contraceptive use among reproductive-aged women (15-49 years) in Mozambique: Evidence from Mozambique Demographic and Health Survey.}},
author = {N. Shakurun and F. Andre and N. Muhajarine},
howpublished = {medRxiv},
year = {2026},
month = sep,
doi = {10.64898/2026.09.21.26363579},
url = {https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.21.26363579v1},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - UNPB
TI - Predictors of modern contraceptive use among reproductive-aged women (15-49 years) in Mozambique: Evidence from Mozambique Demographic and Health Survey.
AU - N. Shakurun
AU - F. Andre
AU - N. Muhajarine
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/09/21
PB - medRxiv
DO - 10.64898/2026.09.21.26363579
UR - https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.21.26363579v1
AB - BackgroundModern contraceptive use remains low in many sub-Saharan African countries, including Mozambique, limiting progress towards sexual and reproductive health and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Understanding the prevalence, determinants, and inequalities in modern contraceptive use based on Mozambique-wide national survey is critical to informing effective family planning interventions. MethodWe analyzed the most recent data from the Mozambique Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), 2022-2023, focusing on a total of 11,783 reproductive-aged women (15-49 years). The outcome variable was current use of modern contraceptives. Several individual, household-related and community determinants of modern contraceptives were examined employing multivariable logistic regression. Adjusted odds ratio 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. All analyses were conducted on weighted data. ResultOverall, 27.6% of women reported current use of modern contraceptive methods. Younger age, higher education, being employed, higher parity, greater wealth, and a partner with higher education were positively associated with modern contraceptive use. Significant wealth-related (ECI = 0.32, p < 0.001) and womens 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. ConclusionModern contraceptive use in Mozambique is suboptimal and influenced by a combination of individual, household, and contextual factors, with marked socioeconomic and empowerment-related disparities. Policy interventions should focus on improving access to and encouraging use of contraceptives for economically disadvantaged and women with low-empowerment, promoting womens autonomy, enhancing male involvement, and leveraging media and community-based programs to increase awareness and uptake. Equity-focused strategies are essential to achieving national and global family planning targets.
ER -