Trends in the Use of Reversible Modern Contraceptives in Burkina Faso between 2010 and 2015

Background: In Burkina Faso, efforts have been made between 2010 and 2015 to address the low levels of contraceptive utilization. However, the socio-cultural context in the country still reinforces traditional gender roles, low status for women, and a strong desire for larger families. The objectives of this study are twofold: 1) to analyze the trends in reversible modern contraceptive prevalence, and 2) to identify the factors influencing the use of reversible modern contraceptives, comparing the urban and rural areas. Data and Methods: We conducted an analysis using data from Burkina Faso sourced from the 2010 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and the 2015 Demographic and Health Module (DHM). The 2010 DHS received responses from 17,087 women aged 15 - 49 years, achieving a response rate of 98.4%. Similarly, the 2015 DHM garnered responses from 11,504 women aged 15 - 49 years, with a response rate of 96.6%. Results: Our findings revealed that while advancements were observed in urban areas, the majority of underprivileged women still faced limited access to modern contraception. Moreover, we did not observe any significant interaction effects between age and parity with the year of the survey. However, there was a slight decrease in the impact of marital status, although the difference between married and non-married women remained significant in 2015. It is noteworthy that family planning discussions and approval continued to play crucial roles. Conclusion: The initiatives to subsidize contraceptive costs and establish mobile clinics have proven inadequate in facilitating rural, impoverished, and young women’s access to modern contraception. Additional endeavors are required to enhance geographical accessibility to modern contraceptives by expanding the availability of supply sources, particularly in rural areas. Furthermore, providing psychosocial support has the potential to empower women in making informed contraceptive decisions and exercising greater control over their reproductive choices.

Factors Influencing the Choice between IUD and Implant among Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive (LARCs) Users in Burkina Faso

Background: Long-acting and reversible contraceptive methods hold great potential as solutions to address the unmet need for contraception and the significant discontinuation rates, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Among these methods, the Implant has gained popularity in sub-Saharan Africa, whereas the utilization of Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) has remained comparatively low, particularly in Burkina Faso. This study aims to evaluate the shifts in IUD and Implant usage from 2010 to 2020 and to pinpoint the factors influencing the choice of IUDs among LARCs users in Burkina Faso. Data and Methods: We conducted an analysis using data from Burkina Faso, drawn from the 2010 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and the 2020 PMA Phase 1 data. The 2010 DHS garnered responses from 17,087 women aged 15 - 49, achieving a response rate of 98.4%. The 2020 PMA data collected responses from 6590 women aged 15 - 49, with a response rate of 95.8%. The final sample of Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs) users consisted of 1502 women, including 576 women from the 2010 survey and 926 women from the 2020 survey. Results: The study demonstrates an expansion of IUD usage to include socioeconomically disadvantaged segments among LARC users. However, higher levels of education, older age, and decisions influenced by healthcare providers are correlated with the preference for IUDs over Implants. The choice of IUDs is also connected to a comprehensive understanding of contraceptive methods, suggesting potential biases in the counseling process. Conclusion: Facilitating the broader adoption of IUDs among disadvantaged groups could be achieved by improving the accessibility of IUD products and services in rural areas. Nevertheless, there should be focused initiatives to enhance access to removal services, as this factor could dissuade specific users. Further efforts are required to train healthcare providers, aiming to mitigate biases in delivering Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptives (LARCs). Providers should provide impartial counseling, irrespective of the selected type of LARC.

Poverty and Nutritional Health of the Child: Some Evidence from 2005 Demographic and Health Survey of Congo

The objective of this study is to identify the ways in which poverty could affect the nutritional health of the child and to analyze the strength of these links. On the whole, it appears that the relationship between poverty (measured by the wealth index) and health of the child (measured by an anthropometric index) is positive and highly significant.

Assessing the Relative Efficiency of Health Systems in Sub-Saharan Africa Using Data Envelopment Analysis

We assess the relative efficiency of health systems of 35 countries in sub-Saharan Africa using Data Envelopment Analysis. This method allows us to evaluate the ability of each country to transform its sanitary “inputs” into health “outputs”. Our results show that, on average, the health systems of these countries have an efficiency score between 72% and 84% of their maximum level. We also note that education and density of population are factors that affect the efficiency of the health system in these countries.

The Need for Structural Adjustment: Was It Essential for African Countries over the Decade of the 80’s? An Econometric Analysis Using Count Data Models

Several economists agree to say that the need for adjustment was essential for African countries over the decade of the 80’s. The econometric analysis of a sample of 28 sub-Saharan African countries, from variables regarded as “representatives” for the adjustment objectives, proves that this assertion cannot be completely rejected.

Trends of Inequalities in the Use of Long-Term Reversible Contraceptives in Burkina Faso between 2010 and 2015

Background: Efforts have been made in Burkina Faso, a French-speaking country, since 2010 to improve healthcare access and provide affordable contraceptive methods to women. With the increasing prevalence of modern contraceptives in Burkina Faso, it is important to examine the socio-demographic factors that contribute to this new pattern of contraceptive use. This study aims to analyze the changes in socio-demographic factors associated with long-term contraceptive use and provide scientific evidence to guide policy development and action planning in family planning. Data and Methods: We utilized data from the 2010 Demographic and Health Survey, which included 17,087 women aged 15 - 49 years, and the 2015 Demographic and Health Module, which included 11,504 women in the same age group. For the analysis of contraceptive use, we focused on women who were in need of contraception (either met or unmet), of reproductive age, non-pregnant, and either married or sexually active but not married. We included users of modern reversible methods and excluded non-users, as well as users of traditional or permanent methods. Results: Our findings revealed a high prevalence of long-term contraceptive use across all categories;however, certain challenges were identified, such as lower levels of information about contraceptive methods among users and the persistence of inequalities. Family planning discussions and partner approval did not influence long-term contraceptive choice. Additionally, some providers selectively offered specific methods based on women’s life course characteristics, such as parity and marital status, despite evidence suggesting that young and nulliparous women can effectively use long-term methods. Conclusion: Given the high effectiveness of long-term contraceptive methods, it is crucial to address barriers that hinder their utilization among young and nulliparous women, as well as those who desire to delay pregnancy. Efforts should focus on improving knowledge and dispelling misconceptions surrounding long-term methods. Providers play a pivotal role in this process by adopting counseling strategies that enhance users’ understanding and facilitate informed decision-making regarding contraceptive options.