Low contraceptive utilization among young married women is associated with perceived social norms and belief in contraceptive myths in rural Ethiopia
Outcomes: Child, Early, and Forced Marriage, Sexual and Reproductive Health
View SourceKey Social Norms Take-aways Social norms strongly influence contraceptive use among young married women in rural Ethiopia. Perceived social approval from husbands, parents, friends, and mothers-in-law, along with perceptions of peers’ contraceptive practices, significantly affect utilization. Conversely, belief in contraceptive myths—such as fears about infertility or health risks—negatively impacts use. The study highlights how social expectations and misinformation persist as major barriers, reinforcing the need for norm-sensitive family planning interventions that engage women’s social networks.
Objectives The study aimed to assess how perceived social norms and belief in contraceptive myths influence contraceptive utilization among young married women aged 14–24 in Eastern Ethiopia.
Methods A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted with 3,039 young married women in the Kersa Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) site. Data were collected using structured questionnaires. Key variables included perceived social approval (injunctive norms), perceptions of friends’ contraceptive use (descriptive norms), and belief in contraceptive myths. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess associations with current contraceptive use.
Results Contraceptive prevalence was low at 14.2%. Perceived social approval (AOR = 1.90) and perception of friends’ contraceptive use (AOR = 1.34) were positively associated with contraceptive use. Belief in contraceptive myths (AOR = 0.60) was negatively associated. Other significant factors included being an ever-mother, secondary or higher education, and recent exposure to family planning information. Most current users used injectables and obtained services from health centers.
Conclusions Contraceptive use among young married women remains low due to entrenched social norms and misinformation. Addressing these socio-cultural barriers through interventions that challenge negative myths, build social approval, and engage key influencers like husbands and mothers-in-law is essential. Health education strategies should target not only young women but also their reference groups to shift norms and promote informed contraceptive decision-making.
Norms Addressed
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