Factors influencing contraceptive use and method choice among married women in Malawi

Julius Chingwalu, University of Malawi
Emmanuel Souza, University of Malawi
Benjamin Kaneka, University of Malawi

Although the contraceptive prevalence is relatively high in Malawi, the total fertility rate continues to be high. There has been dearth of studies that have systematically studied the determinants of contraceptive use and choice of particular methods by individual women to present a wholesome picture of contraceptive use dynamics in Malawi. Using the 2010 Malawi DHS and qualitative data collected from three districts, we examine determinants of contraceptive use and method choice among married women. The results show that age and fertility related factors are associated with married women’s contraceptive use and choice. Poor method mix is driven by desire to have children. Although there has been a steady increase in the use of family planning methods over the years, the levels are still low for young women who have just got married and are under intense social and cultural pressure to prove their fertility.