Modern contraceptive use, associated factors and reasons for non-use among young lactating mothers in the context of free family planning services in the Kaya municipality setting, Burkina Faso.

BACKGROUND

Despite all the benefits of family planning (FP), African countries still have low contraceptive use and very high fertility rates.

AIM: To measure modern contraceptive use among young lactating mothers in the context of the free contraceptive policy in the Kaya municipality setting.

SETTING

This study was conducted in the Kaya municipality, in the Koulsé region, Burkina Faso.

METHODS

This study is a secondary data analysis of the Kaya Demographic and Health Surveillance System data collected in the households between May 2022 and October 2022 (cross-sectional study). The dependent variable was the use of a modern contraceptive method (binary). Modified Poisson regression was used to identify associated factors.

RESULTS

The prevalence of modern contraceptive use among young lactating mothers was 53.9% (n = 536/995), with 41.4% using implants, followed by male condoms (38.2%), injectables (14.6%) and pills (5.4%). Modern contraceptive use was significantly higher among women who discussed FP with their spouses (adjusted prevalence ratios [aPR] = 1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2-1.8, p = 0.001) and among women who had ever used modern contraceptives before the last pregnancy (aPR = 1.9, 95% CI: 1.6-2.4, p < 0.001). Similarly, women in the rich quintile (aPR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-2.0, p = 0.013) and the richest quintile (aPR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1-2.1, p = 0.014) were more likely to use modern contraceptives compared to the poorest.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of modern contraceptive use among young lactating mothers in Kaya is relatively high, with some modifiable factors that still explain contraceptive use.

CONTRIBUTION: This study documented evidence on contraceptive use among young lactating mothers under Burkina Faso's free FP policy, highlighting equity gaps and actionable levers (communication between couples, prior exposure and men's involvement).