Use of modern contraceptive methods among women of childbearing age attending maternal and child health services in Abidjan and Agboville (Cote d’Ivoire)

INTRODUCTION: Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest maternal mortality rate, with over 542 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. This rate is estimated at 315 deaths per 100,000 live births in Côte d'Ivoire (EDS, 2021). Several factors, including low national contraceptive prevalence estimated at 13.9%, contribute to this situation. The aim of this study was to analyze the factors associated with the use of modern contraceptive methods (MCM) among women of childbearing age attending maternal and child health services. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 605 women of childbearing age attending maternal and child health services of five health centers in Abidjan and Agboville from December 2018 to September 2019. MCM use was defined as "being on modern contraception in the survey period". Modified Poisson regression was applied to identify factors associated with MCM use using STATA version 15 software. RESULTS: A total of 605 women participated in our study, 45% of them aged 15-24 years. The rate of modern contraceptive use was 36%. Some 56% of clients had received family planning (FP) information at maternal and child health services . Marital status [(aPR): 0.80 (95%CI: 0.66-0.97)] and worship attendance [(aPR): 0.74 (95%CI: 0.62-0.87)] were associated with a decreased rate of MCM use. However, educational level [Primary level: (aPR): 1.86 (95%CI: 1.13-3.05); Secondary level: (aPR): 1.70 (95%CI: 1.04-2.79); Higher level: (aPR): 2.26 (95% CI: 1.38-3.71)] and information received about FP [(aPR): 8.05 (95% CI: 4.97-13.04)] were associated with an increased rate of MCM use. CONCLUSION: FP programs should strengthen communication on FP, particularly through counseling sessions, and ensure that every opportunity for contact with health centers is seized to give women the right information on contraceptive methods. Measures should also be taken to increase girls' school enrolment and keep them in school.