What question did this study set out to answer?

To determine the prevalence and factors influencing modern contraceptive use among postpartum adolescent girls and young women in rural Mara, Tanzania.

February 26, 2026Open Access

Factors associated with modern contraceptive utilization among postpartum adolescent girls and young women in rural Mara, Tanzania: facility-based cross-sectional study

Key Points

To determine the prevalence and factors influencing modern contraceptive use among postpartum adolescent girls and young women in rural Mara, Tanzania.
Analytical cross-sectional study design
Random multistage sampling of 614 adolescent girls aged 15–24
Data collection using a structured Swahili questionnaire
Statistical analysis with SPSS, including descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression
21.7% of postpartum adolescent girls utilized modern contraceptives
Higher education significantly increased contraceptive use likelihood (AOR = 4.83)
Women with middle to high wealth categories had 83% increased odds of use
Participants with two to three children were 60% less likely to use contraceptives (AOR = 0.40)

Abstract

Background: Modern contraceptives are effective in preventing unintended pregnancies, which may consequently reduce the risk of unsafe abortions. However, their use among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) in Tanzania remains low. Despite various national strategies, the fertility rate in the Mara region remains high at 6.1. Objectives: The first objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of modern contraceptive use among postpartum AGYW in rural Mara, Tanzania. The second objective was to identify factors influencing modern contraceptive use among postpartum AGYW. Design: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted to assess modern contraceptive use among postpartum AGYW in rural Mara, Tanzania. Methods: A random multistage sampling technique was used to select 614 AGYW aged 15–24 years from rural Mara. Data were collected from January 5 to February 27, 2024, using a structured Swahili questionnaire. Analysis was performed using SPSS version 27.0, employing descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis to examine associations between categorical variables, and multivariate logistic regression to identify predictors of contraceptive use ( p < 0.05). Results: Modern contraceptive use was reported by 21.7% (95% CI: 18.5%–25.0%) of postpartum AGYW. Women who had primary education were 4.83 times more likely to use contraceptives than those with no or incomplete primary education (AOR = 4.83, 95% CI: 2.61–8.91, p = 0.001). Women in the middle and highest wealth categories had significantly higher odds of contraceptive use (AOR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.72–4.72; p = 0.04), representing an 83% increase compared to those in the lowest wealth category. In contrast, participants with two to three children were 60% less likely to use contraceptives compared to those with one child (AOR = 0.40; 95% CI: 0.22–0.72; p = 0.002). Conclusion: Modern contraceptive use among AGYW remains low. Education level, wealth status, and number of children significantly influence uptake, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve access and informed choice.

Factors associated with modern contraceptive utilization among postpartum adolescent girls and young women in rural Mara, Tanzania: facility-based cross-sectional study

Key Points

Abstract

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