Low Use of Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives in Tanzania: Evidence from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey

Abstract

We aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with the use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) among women of reproductive age in Tanzania. We analyzed the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) data from 2015 to 2016. The study included 8189 women aged 15–49 years. The relationship between various factors and LARC use was determined through various analyses. Among women with a partner/husband, 7.27% used LARCs, 21.07% were grand multiparous, and 20.56% did not desire more children. Women aged 36–49 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)-2.10, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.11–3.96), who completed secondary education (AOR-1.64, 95% CI: 1.05–2.55), who did not desire more children (AOR-2.28, 95% CI: 1.53–3.41), with a partner with primary level education (AOR-2.02, 95% CI: 1.34–3.02), or living in richer households (AOR-1.60, 95% CI: 1.12–2.27) were more likely to use LARCs. Further, women with a partner who wanted more children were less likely to use LARCs (AOR-0.69, 95% CI: 0.54–0.90). Tanzania has a low LARC usage rate. Women’s age, wife and partner’s education status, couple’s desire for more children, and household wealth index influenced the use of LARCs, highlighting the need to reach more couples of lower socioeconomic status to improve LARC utilization.