Attitude, keypersons’ support and uptake of modern contraceptives among reproductive age Myanmar migrant women in Thai-Myanmar border areas

Background: Easier access to contraception can help prevent negative health outcomes, such as unintended pregnancies and abortions, along with their associated adverse effects and socioeconomic consequences. However, there was limited information on contraceptive use among Myanmar migrant women along the Thai-Myanmar border. Objectives: To identify the determinants of modern contraceptive uptakes among reproductive age Myanmar migrant women in Thai Myanmar border areas. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 440 Myanmar migrant women aged 15-49. Baseline characteristics were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and determinants of contraceptive uptake were identified through multiple logistic regression. Associations were presented as Crude Odds Ratio (COR) and Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with their 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs). The statistical significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results: Modern contraceptive uptake prevalence was 62.73% (95% CI: 58.09-67.14), with 48.19% using Depo-Provera injections. After controlling other covariates, getting high support from keypersons (AOR=13.58, 95% CI: 6.24-29.59) and good attitudes towards contraceptives (AOR=2.65, 95% CI: 1.54 -4.57) were associated with modern contraceptive uptakes. Moreover, the determinants of uptake of modern contraceptives included age 30-39 years (AOR = 4.59, 95% CI: 2.37-8.92), age 15 to 29 years (AOR=8.86, 95% CI: 4.55-17.25), farmers and unskilled workers (AOR=2.12, 95% CI: 1.22-3.69), and the opening hour of the clinic (AOR=2.65, 95% CI: 1.26-5.57) Conclusion: Contraceptive uptake among Myanmar migrant women was higher than in both Thailand and Myanmar, influenced by factors such as keypersons’ support networks, attitudes, age, occupation, and accessible service hours. Therefore, it is essential to strengthen social networks that empower women’s decision and develop positive attitudes toward contraception. Additionally, providing culturally sensitive education, adopting context-specific strategies, fostering supportive workplace environments, and ensuring flexible, easily accessible healthcare services are all essential for improving contraceptive uptake among this population.