Affiliation:
1. Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies Boston University 152 Bay State Road, Room G04C Boston MA 02215 USA
2. Department of Global Health and Population Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health 665 Huntington Avenue, SPH I 1211, 12th Floor Boston MA 02115 USA
Abstract
AbstractInjectables are one of the most popular methods of contraception worldwide, particularly in sub‐Saharan Africa. An advantage of injectables over shorter‐acting methods is that they provide additional flexibility by not requiring re‐supply as frequently. However, there is a risk that injectable users may delay their next injection and may therefore have reduced or no protection from pregnancy. In surveys, women may report that they are using contraception in the form of injectables when the time since they had their last injection (more than four months) would imply that they have reduced protection against the risk of pregnancy. We carried out two field studies in urban Malawi, and we record reported injectable contraceptive use while also asking the number of months since women received their last injection. We observe that 13.8 percent of women who report using injectables also report that they received their last injection more than four months ago, and 11 percent report that they received their last injection more than six months ago. Our analysis highlights the need for additional follow‐up with women who report using injectables in surveys to confirm whether they are, in fact, using the method effectively.
Funder
William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
Subject
Social Sciences (miscellaneous),Demography