Determinants of the Use of Modern Contraceptives in Baringo County

Abstract

Birth control program is fundamental in the control of maternal and child mortality rates as a woman can then effectively space her births and avoid unwanted pregnancy. The major component of family planning is the use of contraceptives (especially modern) methods which form a critical pillar in maternal health provision and population control initiatives. The Kenyan government promotes the use of family planning by provision of these services through informed and voluntary choice at various health facilities across the country. The knowledge of family planning methods in Kenya is nearly universal and is a major requirement for the patient in making the decision to acquire the services. This has led to a substantial increase in the uptake of modern contraception over the years. Baringo County has 33.1 % prevalence rate of modern contraceptives use among women aged 15-49 while the national average is 53.2%. There are regional variations with urban-rural disparities regarding the use of modern contraceptives, and this means that there are very many women who are vulnerable to unplanned pregnancy and abortions that are largely unsafe. No previous study has been done to document the correlates of modern contraceptives in Baringo County hence the preparation of this paper.The study evaluated the determinants of the uptake of modern contraceptives in Baringo County in Kenya using the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2014 (KDHS, 2014). Probit model was used to achieve the study’s objectives. The results showed that level of education- Secondary and higher education, Number of children, Visit to the health facility and was told about family planning, Married; Poorer; Middle, Richer, Richest and Protestant are all statistically significant in determining the uptake of modern contraception by women in the reproductive age in Baringo county. A woman who has secondary and higher levels of education, has children, in the age bracket of 20-34 years, classified as middle, richer, or richest, visits the health facility and told about Family Planning and is a protestant has a higher probability of up taking modern contraceptives for use. Poverty alleviation measures combined with increased access to formal education will go a long way in changing the attitudes of women in the reproductive ages to embrace more of the modern contraceptives.