Factors Influencing Contraceptive Use in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review. (January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Blackstone, Sarah R.; Nwaozuru, Ucheoma; Iwelunmor, Juliet
• Is Part Of: International quarterly of community health education. Volume 37:Number 2(2017)
• Page Start: 79
• Page End: 91
• Publication Date: 2017-01
• Subjects: contraception -- Sub-Saharan Africa -- PEN-3 cultural model; Health education -- Periodicals; Community health services -- Periodicals; 613.071
• DOI: 10.1177/0272684X16685254
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0272-684X

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature regarding factors influencing contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa between 2005 and 2015. A total of 58 studies from twelve Sub-Saharan African countries were reviewed. Keywords were grouped using the PEN-3 cultural model. Negative factors prohibiting or reducing contraceptive use were women's misconceptions of contraceptive side–effects, male partner disapproval, and social/cultural norms surrounding fertility. Positive factors included education, employment, and communication with male partner. Increasing modern contraceptive use in Sub-Saharan Africa is a multi-faceted problem that will require community and systems wide interventions that aim to counteract negative perceptions and misinformation.