Unmet need for contraception among married women in the Kyrgyz Republic from the 2006, 2014 and 2018 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey: A cross- sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background This study aims to investigate the prevalence of an unmet need for contraception from 2006 to 2018, and examine the factors associated with an unmet need for contraception among married women over the course of 12 years in the Kyrgyz Republic. Methods This study employed three datasets from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2006, 2014, and 2018. There were 9,229 women aged 15–49 who were married and fecund included in this study. Logistic regression was employed to estimate the relationship of an unmet need for contraception with other factors. A P value < 0.05 was set as statistically significant. Results The prevalence of an unmet need for contraception was 19.9% in 2006, 20.4% in 2014, and 22.5% in 2018. Intrauterine devices were the prominent contraceptive method of usage among Kyrgyz women, but the trend of usage drastically declined over time. From 2006 to 2018, factors associated with unmet need for contraception included women’s age, area of residence, mother tongue of household head, age of husband, and number of children ever born. Conclusion The unmet need for contraception among married Kyrgyz women slightly increased, and the trend of contraception usage declined from 2006 to 2018. Sexual health education for young people and youth-friendly services should be promoted. An effective and reliable supply chain, including financing, forecasting, and procurement for contraception commodities, should be prioritized and strengthened. Regular supportive supervision visits are essential to improve the knowledge and skills of healthcare providers, and to sustain intrauterine device service as a contraceptive choice for Kyrgyz women.