Determinants of Modern Contraceptive Methods among Reproductive Age Women in Ayssaita District, Afar National Regional State, Ethiopia

The fertility rate in Ethiopia is very high. According to the 2000 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) an Ethiopian woman gives birth on average to 5.9 children. Problems posed by high fertility rates and population growth have sparked studies of the factors determining contraceptive usage since contraceptive is used for birth control. The major objective of this study is to determine the factors that affect the use of contraceptive methods for women in Ayssaita district. The study is based on data a total of 323 women in the age group 15-49 years. Binary logistic regression and descriptive statistical measures are used for the analysis. The binary logistic regression analysis is applied to identify factors of contraceptive usage women’s socio-economic characteristics. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that place of residence, religion, partner’s education level, woman’s education, region and monthly income were the most important variables that explained the variability in contraceptive usage. Women who had higher education, high monthly income and higher partner’s education were likely to use contraceptive methods. The regional government should also invest heavily on women and their partner schooling beyond primary school. Key word: Contraceptive method, binary logistic, Ayssait