Regional disparities and sociodemographic determinants of intention to use modern contraceptives among women of reproductive age in Benin Republic

Abstract

Contraceptive intention predicts future contraceptive uptake and helps reduce unmet need for family planning. Despite policy efforts in Benin, modern contraceptive use remains low, and unmet need remains high, particularly among non-users. Limited evidence exists on regional disparities and sociodemographic determinants of contraceptive intention. Moreover, previous national studies have not explicitly examined how contraceptive intention varies across Benin’s twelve departments or explored the sociocultural and economic contexts driving these variations. Guided by the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study investigates both individual and regional determinants of contraceptive intention among reproductive-age women in Benin. Data from 13,611 women aged 15–49 years who were non-users at the time of the 2017–18 Benin Demographic and Health Survey were analyzed. Descriptive statistics estimated prevalence, while chi-square tests assessed bivariate associations. Multivariable logistic regression identified sociodemographic factors independently associated with contraceptive intention. Overall, 35.0% of women expressed an intention to use contraception. Significant regional disparities were found, with the highest prevalence in Atacora (44.8%) and the lowest in Donga (20.9%). Positive predictors included ages 20–29 (aOR = 1.16; 95% CI 1.00–1.34), primary (aOR = 1.17; 95% CI 1.05–1.30) and secondary education or higher (aOR = 1.34; 95% CI 1.20–1.49), employment (aOR = 1.41; 95% CI 1.28–1.55), and middle wealth status (aOR = 1.15; 95% CI 1.03–1.28). Muslim women (aOR = 0.70; 95% CI 0.59–0.82) and women aged 45–49 (aOR = 0.17; 95% CI 0.13–0.21) were significantly less likely to report intention. The prevalence of contraceptive intention remains low, with wide inter-departmental and sociodemographic disparities. These findings call for region-specific, culturally responsive, and empowerment-oriented interventions that leverage education and employment to enhance contraceptive demand. Efforts should prioritize school-based sexuality education, women’s economic empowerment, and engagement of religious and community leaders to address persistent regional inequalities in contraceptive intention.