Intention to Use Contraceptives and Determinants Among Married Women in Gambia: A Further Analysis of the National Survey

Contraceptives are among the most effective strategies to prevent unwanted pregnancies and their consequences. Understanding the intention to use contraceptives is crucial to implementing family planning; however, there is an evidence gap in the Gambia. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the intention to use contraceptives and determinants among married women in the Gambia. This study was based on an extensive national survey, the Gambian Demographic and Health Survey. A total weighted sample of 6085 married women of reproductive age was included. A logistic regression model was used, and a p -value of <0.05 for multivariable logistic regression with a 95% CI was used to declare statistical significance. The overall intention to use contraceptives was 29.72%. Age, education, region, occupation, wealth, family hearing from friends/relatives, family planning hearing from a health professional, ever use of contraceptives, number of children, visits by field workers, and number of visits to health facilities were significant factors associated with the intention to use contraceptives in the future. The proportion of women who have the intention to use contraceptives remains very low. The intention to use contraceptives was affected by numerous individual attributes. Therefore, efforts to increase the uptake of contraceptives should focus on improving education and economic opportunities for married women, particularly those have never used contraceptives. Policymakers and stakeholders should solicit the support of health facilities in designing contraceptive education programs, expanding through friends/relatives, health professionals, and making contraceptives freely accessible to all married Gambian women.