The correlates and consequences of unmet need for contraception among adolescents in Zambia

Eunice N. S. Imasiku, University of Zambia

Globally, adolescents are reported to have the highest level of unmet need for contraception (unmet need). These high levels can result in negative reproductive health outcomes. Research on unmet need among adolescents in Zambia is lacking. Conducting such studies may aid in coming up with effective ways of addressing unmet need. Using 2013-14 Zambia DHS, we estimated the level of unmet need among adolescents and examined its determinants and consequences. Unmet need among married and unmarried adolescents was 25.3% and 10.1%, respectively. Currently married adolescents were 2.6 times more likely to have unmet need. The odds of adolescents with unmet need to have their under five children die were higher but not significant. Adolescents residing in urban areas were 55% less likely to have unmet need. Married adolescents have a high level of unmet need. Concerted efforts should be made to reduce the high levels of unmet need among adolescents