Family planning use in Benin Republic: trends and determinants

Justin Dansou, University of Ibadan

Family planning remains one of the key components of reproductive health programme components set as human right, stated in international law and placed among the key indicators of Millennium Development Goals. This study investigates the levels and trends of contraceptive use among Beninese in union women over MDGs period, identifies recent associated factors. Similarities and differences across sub-regions are also examined using data from Benin DHS, applied to multiple logistic regressions. First, levels and trends of contraceptive prevalence drawn using data from the last three DHS highlighted a sharp variations across sub-regions and shown a decrease of contraceptive uptake over time. Among other, findings suggest fighting against sociocultural barriers especially among women in traditional religion. Empowering women and ensuring formal education to girls till secondary, will be useful everywhere in Benin to increase contraceptive prevalence rate and reduced unmet need for family planning. Besides, concerns regarding the side effects and health risks of methods were also revealed as important factors.