Author(s)

Kabeya Theddy Kazadi^1,2, Tshisungu Benoît Beya³, Ilunga Alphonsine Masengu¹, Tshibangu Damien Ilunga¹, Kabila Joseph Luboya^1,4

¹School of Public Health, University of Mwene-Ditu, Mwene-Ditu, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
²Provincial Health Division, Kabinda, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
³School of Public Health, Morave University, Lomami, Democratic Republic of the Congo.
⁴Higher Institute of Medical Techniques of Kalenda, Mwene-Ditu, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Introduction: Contraception is one of the interventions to reduce unwanted pregnancies, complications related to related abortions, and sometimes maternal deaths. However, in the town of Mwene-Ditu, the use of modern contraceptive methods remains low. Based on this, this study wanted to identify the determinants associated with low use and identify the most used contraceptive method. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in the City of Mwene-Ditu from March to July 2021. The data was collected using a pre-established questionnaire and analyzed using EpiinfoTM. The chi-square test of independence and Fisher’s exact were used to study the associations between the dependent variable and the independent variables. Logistic regression was used on significant variables. The p-value was significant when it was less than 0.05. Results: The women of childbearing age surveyed numbered 422. About 52.6% of them used contraceptive methods. The condom was the most used contraceptive method (71%). After logistic regression, the low use of contraceptive methods was determined by the low level of education (primary and secondary) (p = 0.00); women’s religion, postolo, Jehovah’s Witnesses and other religious beliefs (p = 0.01); ignorance of modern contraceptives (p = 0.00), non-use of health services (p = 0.02) and unfavorable attitude towards modern contraceptives (p = 0.02). Conclusion: The education of women of childbearing age and the intensification of sensitization on contraception by health workers remain crucial axes to increasing the use of contraceptive methods in this town.

Determinants, Contraceptive Methods, Women of Childbearing Age, Mwene-Ditu

Kazadi, K.T., Beya, T.B., Masengu, I.A., Ilunga, T.D. and Luboya, K.J. (2022) Determinants of Low Use of Contraceptive Methods by Women of Childbearing Age in Mwene Ditu Town, DRC: A Cross-Sectional Study. Open Access Library Journal, 9, 1-14. doi: 10.4236/oalib.1109165.