Ethnic inequalities in the use of contraceptive methods among Peruvian women: a propensity score matching study

Abstract Objective This study aimed to evaluate how ethnicity generated inequalities in contraceptive method use among Peruvian women. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study using 2019–2023 data from Peru's Demographic and Family Health Survey. Women aged 18–49 were evaluated on contraceptive use and sociodemographic factors. Statistical analysis in R Studio described variables and used propensity score matching to compare ethnic groups' contraceptive use, employing quasibinomial regression for prevalence ratios. Results Among 57277 women aged 18–49, 67.23% used contraception, mainly injections and condoms. Ethnic disparities were noted, with Quechua, Aymara, and Afro-Peruvian women using contraceptives, especially hormonal methods, less than Mestizo women. These inequalities were influenced by first intercourse age, number of children, and decreased use over time. Conclusion Ethnic inequalities in contraceptive use were found, with Quechua, Aymara, and Afro-Peruvian women facing greater disparities than Mestizo or White women, especially if they had first intercourse before 18.