Exploring the Association between Contraceptive Use and Women’s tolerance towards Domestic Violence: Evidence from MICS 2019 Survey

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundAccess to contraception is crucial for preventing unintended pregnancies and promoting reproductive rights. In Bangladesh, the contraceptive prevalence rate (CPR) has increased over the decades. However, domestic violence (DV) remains a major concern. Women who experience DV are more likely to have unintended pregnancies and abortions. They are also more likely to live in poverty and experience depression and anxiety.ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the relationship between contraceptive use and women’s tolerance of DV in Bangladesh.MethodsData from the Bangladesh Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2019 was used for the study. The sample size was 47,692 women aged 15-49; data were analyzed using Jamovi software (version 2.3.26). Ethical considerations were strictly followed.ResultsThe study found a contraception utilization rate of 66.5% among Bangladeshi women of reproductive age. Factors associated with contraceptive use included age, residence, education level of the woman, marital structure, wealth index, and tolerance for domestic violence. Women with high tolerance towards domestic violence had higher odds (AOR: 1.1; 95% CI: 1.017-1.189; p = 0.017) of using contraception than women with no tolerance.ConclusionThe study’s result suggest a complex relationship between contraceptive use, women’s tolerance of domestic violence, and other factors such as age, education, wealth, location, etc. Programs and policies are needed to promote contraceptive use in Bangladesh. Efforts should target socioeconomic, cultural, and psychological factors and barriers which are faced by women exposed to domestic violence. By tackling these challenges, programs, and policies can effectively promote contraception use and improve women’s reproductive health.