The Effects of Programming, Communication, and Equality on Contraceptive Uptake

Sammanfattning: This paper aims to better understand how contraceptive uptake is influenced by both individual and environmental factors, specifically in sub-Saharan Africa, by comparing Uganda and Kenya as examples of different policy environments. Implementing a literature review and statistical regression, this paper analyses how various factors (including indicators of gender equality, family planning exposure, and socioeconomic and -demographic status) influence differences in female and male use of family planning methods. The findings confirm the importance of socioeconomic status, parity, and education for all groups and find that age has a gendered effect on contraceptive use. Additionally, this study finds that family planning messaging is effective in encouraging contraceptive use, especially for men, and that both opinions on and experience of women’s equality have mixed effects on uptake. This study has potential implications not only for future research but also for policymakers who are concerned with expanding access to and use of contraceptives for all populations with need.