A comparative analysis of contraceptive use and intent in

Guatemala is characterized by low contraceptive use rates and one of the highest fertility rates in the Western Hemisphere. These rates are particularly extreme for the poorest segment of the population and for the Indigenous population. The purpose of this research is to develop current models of contraceptive use and intent and to compare historical patterns in use and intent with modern patterns. Using data from the 1987 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) and the 2002 Reproductive Health Survey (RHS) classification trees, an analysis approach that identifies at-risk sub-groups,of contraceptive use and intent to use are constructed. The results highlight the significant role of socio-demographic factors across time, they also document a large increase in contraceptive use for the entire population and intent to use among the Indigenous population. The findings suggest that economic rather than cultural changes have likely spurred the recent increase in contraceptive use and intent. 2