What is it about?
In this study we investigated the factors associated with unmet need for family planning among women in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Women who have unmet needs want to stop or delay childbearing but are not using any method of contraception. We analysed the data of 10,415 Congolese women aged 15 to 49.
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Why is it important?
We found that 32% of women in the Democratic Republic of Congo have unmet needs for family planning. This high level of unmet need for family planning indicates a poor reproductive health programme. With our study, we identified which women are more vulnerable to have unmet needs. This information can help Congolese family planning programs target specific sub-groups, and as a result help women to prevent unintended pregnancies, reduce unsafe abortions and improve maternal and child health.
Perspectives
We hope this article can contribute to a better monitoring of family planning programs. Referring to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, promoting family planning programs and ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights will in general benefit gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Marie Mosuse
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Prevalence and factors associated with unmet need for family planning among women of reproductive age (15–49) in the Democratic Republic of Congo: A multilevel mixed-effects analysis, PLoS ONE, October 2022, PLOS,
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0275869.
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