Determinants of Contraceptive Method Choice in Rural Tanzania between 1991 and 1999

Author(s): Chen S, Guilkey D K

Year: 2002

Abstract:
Four pooled Demographic and Health survey data sets are used to examine the determinants of contraceptive method choice in rural Tanzania in the period 1991 to 1999. The individual data is linked to facility surveys conducted in the same communities so that the impact of Tanzania's family planning program can be examined. The very large sample size allows us to disaggregate method choice into five categories, including a separate category for condoms, even though this is a very low prevalence country. In addition, we are able to examine the impact of pharmacies. The results show that contraceptive use increased dramatically in the early years of the period and then leveled off. The facility information also shows an initial substantial increase in facility quality and then a leveling off and decline. The pharmacy results run counter to this prevailing trend.