Socioeconomic factors affecting the use of contraceptives: An empirical analysis on mothers having at least two children in Bangladesh.

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to understand the factors influencing the use of contraceptives among women with two or more children, focusing on socio-demographic factors. Using cross-sectional data from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey 2017-18 (N=9977), the study found that 80.9% of women with at least two children were using contraceptives. As a statistical method, logistic regression was performed to identify the factors influencing contraception decisions for mothers of two or more children in Bangladesh. Knowledge about the source of contraceptives and ovulatory factors increased the likelihood of using contraceptives. The most influential factor for mothers of at least two children was the source of contraceptives, highlighting the importance of outreach activities by Family Planning (FP) workers. With the increase of living children, the use of contraceptives was found to be increased where the women with more sons were more likely to adopt contraception than that of women without son. The study concluded that incorporating reproductive and sex education into the academic curriculum, increasing domiciliary visits of FP workers, and addressing women from lower socioeconomic status should help improve contraceptive use. Policymakers should also provide modern contraception to prevent unwanted pregnancies.