Patterns, Trends, and Factors Associated with Contraceptive Use among Adolescent Girls in Zambia (1996 to 2014): a Multilevel Analysis

Mumbi Chola, Centre for Infectious Disease Research in Zambia (CIDRZ)
Khumbilani Hlongwana, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal
Themba Ginindza, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal

Despite high levels of pregnancy and childbearing among adolescents in Africa, contraceptive use remains low. Using Zambia Demographic and Health Survey data from four surveys, we examined the patterns, trends, and factors associated with contraceptive use among adolescents in Zambia over the period 1996–2014. Descriptive statistics and multilevel logistic regression models were used and p-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Contraceptive use remains low and only changed by 3.3 percentage points over 18?years. In that period, contraceptive use was significantly associated with age, level of education, and marital status. Although initially significant, rural-urban differences disappeared between 2001/2 and 2007 but re-emerged in 2013/14. Adolescents who were married or living with a partner were more likely to use contraceptives compared to those the unmarried. Targeted interventions are needed to improve contraceptive use among sexually active adolescent girls in the country in general, particularly those who are disadvantaged.