Determinants of contraceptive choices in Malawi

This paper uses data from the 2000 and 2004 Demographic and Health Surveys to examine the factors explaining the contraceptive method choice in Malawi. Multinomial logistic regressions were used to study the determinants of the contraceptive method-choice. The results show that the major determinants of contraceptive use are age, respondents’ and partners’ approval of family planning, family planning discussion with partner, number of living children, work status, education and visit to a health centre. As a policy measure, information, education and communication programmes on family planning should be intensified, particularly in rural areas and targeting men.

Key words: Malawi, Contraceptive use, logistic regression, socio-economic, Demographic and health survey