Economic and social determinants of women’s demand for modern family planning methods in Cameroon

Abstract

Background: In low-income countries, the demand of family planning methods can help to address the imbalance between the population growth rate and the volume of the production of wealth. However, the contraceptive prevalence remains low in resources limited countries. Different strategies have been used to encourage the demand of modern family planning methods. This article examined the economic and social determinants of women’s demand for modern family planning methods in Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used with a two-stage stratified sampling, including 9,633 women of childbearing age. A logistic regression model was used for bivariate and multivariate analysis with a statistically significant level of p<0.05. Results: Women’s demand for modern family planning methods was relatively low (28.8%). Demand for modern family planning methods was significantly associated (p<0.05) with women’s economic and social characteristics, such as age groups (15 to 24 and 35 to 49), level of education (possibly for the spouse too), experiencing domestic violence, professional status, religion, place of residence, income, access to the media and place for antenatal visits, and women living in west, south and south-west, Adamawa, extreme-north, and Littoral regions. However, the women’s demand for modern family planning methods was non-significantly associated (p>0.05) with age between 25 and 34, marital status and women living in east, north and north-west regions. Conclusions: With a view of reducing poverty by controlling the birth rate, decision-makers should strive to improve economic and social conditions and raise women's awareness of how to demand family planning methods.