Socio-Economic and demographic determinants of modern contraceptive utilization among currently married women in Myanmar

Abstract

The key purpose of this study is to explore socio-economic and demographic characteristics that influence modern contraceptive use of currently married women aged 15-49 in Myanmar. This study is contributing to fill the literature gaps at the national level. Even though there have been a number of studies on modern contraceptive use and family planning in Myanmar, these studies did not represent the whole nation. This study utilizes data from the Myanmar Demographic and Health Survey (MDHS) 2015-16, a national level cross-sectional dataset. Based on the study, the currently married women in this study included 6,597 women in Myanmar, 51 percent of currently married women were using at least one modern contraceptive method. A binary logistic regression model used in this study indicates that women’s education, women employment status, number of living children, family planning information from TV, wealth index and husband’s education were positively significant to the women’s modern contraceptive use. On the other hand, women’s age and women with the desire for more children were negatively significant. The result of the study strongly suggested that women with the higher education and being employed would increase the awareness of the use and benefits of modern contraceptive. Moreover, the family planning program and awareness program should be promoted through a TV channel.