Factors related to married or cohabiting women's decision to use modern contraceptive methods in Mahikeng, South Africa.

BACKGROUND:  Sexual and reproductive decision-making has emerged as an important health indicator in family reproductive health issues. While there is evidence of male dominance in sexual and reproductive health decisions, the role of socio-demographic factors on women's decision to use contraception is not well understood.

AIM:  This study aimed at exploring the socio-demographic factors associated with married women's decision-making to use contraception.

SETTING:  The study was conducted in Mahikeng local municipality in the Modiri Molema District Municipality.

METHODS:  Data were generated in Mahikeng from married and cohabiting women, aged 18-49 years, from a survey comprising 568 participants. Data were collected on women's demographic characteristics and contraceptive behaviour. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine factors related to decision-making on contraceptive use.

RESULTS:  The result revealed that 57% of the participants were currently using contraception and 45% stated jointly-made decision regarding the use of contraception. Decisions on use of contraceptives were associated with education, occupation, religion, duration of union and home language. Other factors associated with decision-making on contraceptive use were perception on husband's right to sex, use of force for sex and spousal communication about sex.

CONCLUSION:  Empowering women to use contraception to meet their fertility desire should aim at improving their socio-economic status and spousal communication. Family planning providers should recognise socio-cultural barriers under which the relationships exist and how women can navigate these contextual factors.