Contraceptive Use among Married and Unmarried Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: Examining Sub-Regional Patterns and Their Determinants

Narshil Choi, Drexel University
Alex C. Ezeh, Drexel University
Endale Kebede, Wittgenstien center for demography and global human capital (University of vienna, IIASA, VID)

Sub-Saharan Africa is often perceived as a homogeneous region in terms of key sexual and reproductive health outcomes despite notable differences across its subregions. This study particularly addresses the subregional disparities of modern contraceptive use. In Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA), the prevalence of modern contraceptive use is higher among currently married women than among sexually active unmarried women. Conversely, in West and Central Africa (WCA), sexually active unmarried women show higher usage rates compared to their married counterparts. This research aims to explore the reasons behind the low uptake of modern family planning methods among married women in WCA and the factors contributing to the higher usage among sexually active unmarried women in ESA. Additionally, we investigate the factors responsible for these contrasting patterns of contraceptive use between ESA and WCA, offering a nuanced understanding of the underlying dynamics that shape sexual and reproductive health behaviors in these subregions.