Determinants of the use of modern contraceptives in Baringo County

Abstract

Background: Modern contraceptive methods form a critical pillar in maternal health provision and population control initiatives. The Kenyan government promotes the use of family planning through provision of these services at various health facilities across the country. Baringo County has a prevalence rate of 33.1% for modern contraceptives use among women aged 15-49 while the national average is 53.2%. Consequently, many women in this county remain vulnerable to unplanned pregnancy and unsafe abortions.

Objective: The determinants of the uptake of modern contraceptives in Baringo County in Kenya using data from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey of 2014 (KDHS, 2014) were evaluated.

Design: A probit model was used to statistically explore the factors that influence uptake of modern contraceptives.

Results and Conclusion: Level of education, number of children, and interaction with a health service provider, marital status, religious beliefs and income level were statistically significant in determining the uptake of modern contraception by women of reproductive age in Baringo County. A woman with secondary and/or a higher level of education, of middle or higher income and with knowledge about family planning from a healthcare facility had a higher probability of taking up modern contraceptives. It was recommended that poverty alleviation measures combined with increased access to formal education will positively influence the attitudes of women in the reproductive ages to embrace modern contraceptive methods.