What Predicts Modern Contraception Use? A Study on Married Couples of Reproductive Ages in Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Health, specifically reproductive health, is everyone's right. Reproductive health can be achieved in several ways, such as family planning through modern contraception used by married couples. Modern contraception brings a positive impact on couples’ and families’ health and wellbeing. However, the prevalence of modern contraception use among couples in Indonesia is still low. This study aimed to determine factors that predict the modern contraception use by married couples of reproductive ages in Indonesia. Method: This study is a quantitative study with a cross-sectional approach. It used secondary data of a family survey taken from 21,897,849 married couples of reproductive ages across 34 provinces of Indonesia. They were selected through saturated sampling. The research dependent variable is modern contraception use, and its independent variables are women's ideal marriage age, women's early marriage age, and ideal number of children. Data analysis was conducted using a multiple linear regression test. Results: Variables significantly related to modern contraception use were women's ideal marriage age, women's early marriage age, and ideal number of children (p < 0.001). There were significant relationships between each women's ideal marriage age (p < 0.001), their early marriage age (p < 0.001), and ideal number of children (p < 0.001) with modern contraception use. They could predict that, both simultaneously and individually. Based on the results, couples of reproductive age need to consider their age for marriage, and they have to receive good information and understanding about a desired number of children. Therefore, these efforts might increase their interest in modern contraception use.