Contextual Influences on Modern Contraceptive Use in Sub-Saharan Africa

Objectives. We examined the role of community-level factors in explaining geographic variations in modern contraceptive use in 6 African countries. Methods. We analyzed Demographic and Health Survey and contextual data sources with multilevel modeling techniques to identify factors contributing to geographic variations in women’s use of modern contraceptives. Results. We found significant associations between several community-level factors and reported use of modern contraceptive methods. We also identified several pathways of influence between the community and the individual. Conclusions. Aspects of a community’s sociocultural and economic environment appear to influence a woman’s use of modern contraceptive methods.