Addressing socio-cultural barriers to improve contraceptive use in Ethiopia

Ethiopia encounters significant socio-cultural barriers to contraceptive use, affecting maternal health, poverty reduction, and women's empowerment. With a fertility rate of 4.6 children per woman and only 25.9% of women of reproductive age intending to use contraceptives, significant challenges remain. This policy brief analyzes data from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) and 2019 Mini-EDHS, revealing key barriers such as fatalistic beliefs, religious prohibitions, postpartum amenorrhea, and spousal opposition. Socioeconomic factors, including wealth, literacy, and urban residency, greatly influence contraceptive use. Multivariable and structural equation modeling underscore the complex interplay of cultural norms, economic status, and individual autonomy in shaping contraceptive behavior. The brief recommends culturally tailored education programs, male engagement strategies, targeted interventions for underserved regions, and enhanced healthcare systems to improve contraceptive uptake. Implementing these evidence-based policies is essential for improving reproductive health and empowering women in Ethiopia.