Prevalence and factors associated with the use of modern contraception among young mothers in the context of free family planning services in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.

Abstract

Introduction: The short birth interval has many consequences for the health of both mother and child. This study aimed to measure contraceptive use among young breastfeeding mothers in the context of free contraceptive methods.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among young breastfeeding mothers aged between 18 and 24 attending public health facilities in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The dependent variable was the use of a modern contraceptive method (yes or no). Modified Poisson regression was used to determine the factors associated with the use of modern contraception.

Results: A total of 40.5% of the 368 women included were using a modern contraceptive method. In multivariate analysis, women who thought that family planning methods caused cancer (RPa=0.68; p=0.023), those who had never discussed FP with their partners (RPa=0.33; p<0.001), and those who had discussed it but whose partners were reluctant (RPa=0.64; p=0.011) were less likely to use a modern method. Those who had ever used a contraceptive method were more likely to use a modern method (RPa=2.83; p<0.001).

Conclusion: Certain barriers, such as young mothers' knowledge and perceptions of family planning and the involvement of partners, persist and limit the use of contraception. This means that awareness campaigns need to be stepped up and health policies need to be geared towards addressing these modifiable factors.