Ever Use of Modern Contraceptive among Adolescents in Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Sociodemographic Factors

Abstract

Background: Six in ten sexually active adolescent women in Uganda have an unmet need for contraception yet there is limited data on what is driving its use. This study aimed to determine the associations between sociodemographic factors and modern contraceptive ever-use among adolescents in Uganda. Methods: A crossectional study was conducted among 337 adolescents aged 13 - 19 years who had ever had sex in Wakiso (urban) and Kamuli (rural) districts in Uganda. The outcome of interest was the ever-use of modern contraceptives. Generalized linear models with a Poisson link were used to examine the associations between sociodemographic factors and contraceptive ever use. Results: The weighted prevalence of ever-use of modern contraceptives was 30.9%. Contraceptive ever use was more likely among the older adolescents (adjusted Odds Ratio) aOR 1.31 (95% CI = 1.06 - 1.55), married aOR 1.67 (95% CI = 1.09 - 2.58) and the less educated were aOR 1.79 (95% CI = 1.14 - 2.83) compared to their counterparts. Adolescents living in the urban district (Wakiso) aOR 0.67 (95% CI = 0.49 - 0.92) were less likely to use modern contraceptives. In stratified analysis, the urban poor were more likely to use modern contraceptives (moderate aPR 0.35 95%CI (0.17 - 0.68) ** or high socioeconomic status aPR 0.62, 95%CI (0.28 - 1.37). Conclusions: The study shows low contraceptive ever-use among adolescents. Adolescents with low education and those from rural settings were more likely to ever-use modern contraceptives. Having good knowledge of contraception and discussing sex with parents promoted contraceptives ever-use. We recommend further studies assessing barriers to contraceptive use among adolescents in Uganda.