Rural-urban contraceptive use in Uganda: evidence from UDHS 2011

Abstract

Knowledge of the different types of contraception is universal, yet their use is generally low in countries that are predominantly rural. The aim of this paper is to ascertain whether the place of residence is a major factor in determining the use of contraceptives in Uganda. Data from the 2011 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey was used to examine the role of the place of residence in the use of contraceptives among women in Uganda. Factors such as education, status of women, and the desire for children by husbands play a significant role in determining rural-urban differences in the use of contraceptives in Uganda. Place of residence is therefore, an important factor in determining use of contraceptive, especially among rural women. Improving the level of education of rural women, their socio-economic status and educating husbands of the need to use contraceptives is necessary in increasing uptake in the use of contraceptive.