Access to sexual and reproductive health information and services among the young people remains a highly contested issue in many traditional societies Zambia included. Access to youth-friendly health services such as contraceptives is vital for ensuring the well-being of adolescents. This study endeavoured to establish determinants of contraceptive use among teenage girls aged 15 to 19 years in Eastern Province, Zambia. This was a mixed methods study that employed a sequential explanatory design. In the quantitative arm, the study utilized the 2018 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) women's dataset for Eastern Province, focusing on 326 teenage girls aged 15-19 years. The ZDHS data collection was done using multiple cluster sampling method and through household survey. The qualitative arm involved 6 focus group discussions with parents, 4 interviews with teachers and 6 interviews with healthcare providers in Petauke district. Contraceptive prevalence rate, and socio-economic and demographic factors influencing contraceptive use were measured in the quantitative part. The perception on teenage contraceptive use among key influencers was assessed in the qualitative arm. The prevalence of contraceptive use among teenage girls in Eastern province was at16%. Age, marital status, parity, visiting a health facility, being visited by a health provider and hearing about family planning on radio were significantly associated with contraceptive use (p< 0.05). Moreover, teenage girls who had ever been married had higher odds of contraceptive use than unmarried ones (AOR 3.57, 95% CI, 1.59, 8.01, p = 0.002). Further, those who heard about family planning at the health facility (AOR 2.37, 95% CI, 1.08, 5.21, p = 0.031) and those who heard on radio (AOR 2.55, 95% CI, 1.05-6.19, p = 0.038) had higher odds of contraceptive use than those who did not. The qualitative results found that most parents and teachers opposed the use of contraceptive by teenagers, while health providers supported it. Barriers to contraceptive use included religious beliefs, personal beliefs of healthcare providers, myths and misconceptions, and the fear of social stigma by teenagers. Whether or not adolescents have access to contraceptives, the decision to use them is heavily influenced by parents, and to some extent, teachers and health providers. Therefore, it is important to implement comprehensive educational programs not only for teenagers, but also for parents, teachers and healthcare providers, dispelling myths about contraceptives.
Published in | American Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences (Volume 5, Issue 3) |
DOI | 10.11648/j.ajnhs.20240503.14 |
Page(s) | 65-76 |
Creative Commons |
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited. |
Copyright |
Copyright © The Author(s), 2024. Published by Science Publishing Group |
Influencers’ Perceptions, Adolescents, Teenage Girls, Modern Contraceptive Use, Zambia
[1] | United Nations, (2013). Adolescent fertility since the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo. (2013), United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population. |
[2] |
United Nations, (2015). Transforming our world: The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Retrieved from
https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/post2015/transformingourworld |
[3] | United Nations Population Fund, (2016a). Universal Access to Reproductive Health; progress and challenges 2 605 Third Avenue New York, NY 10158 |
[4] | United Nations Population Fund, (2018). State of World Population 2018. “The power of Choice: Family Planning, Human Rights and De-velopment. New York: UNFPA. |
[5] | Mazaba M. L., (2017). Teenage Pregnancy-A thorny sexual and reproductive health issue of public health concern. Health Press Zambia Bull. (2017); 1(2); [inclusive page numbers]. |
[6] | United Nations Population Fund, (2020a). State of World Population 2020. “Against my will”: Family Planning, Human Rights and Development. New York: UNFPA. |
[7] |
World Bank, (2022). World Development Indicators. World Bank Publications
https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SP.POP.0014.TO.ZS?locations=ZM |
[8] | Haaland, M. E., et al., (2019). Shaping the abortion policy–competing discourses on the Zambian termination of pregnancy act. International Journal for Equity in Health, (2019). 18(1): p. 20. |
[9] | Zambia Statistics Agency, Ministry of Health (MOH) Zambia, and ICF International. (2019a). Zambia Demographic and Health Survey 2018. Lusaka, Zambia, and Rockville, MD: Zambia Statistics Agency, Ministry of Health, and ICF International. |
[10] | Bryant, K., (2015). The road ahead for young people and family planning: costed implementation plan analysis (CPI). |
[11] |
Zambia Daily Mai (2019)
http://www.daily-mail.co.zm/teen-pregnancies-still-uphill-battle/ |
[12] | Lusakatimes, (2020). Eastern Province records 1,700 teen pregnancies between January, September 2020. |
[13] | World Bank (2017) Climate-Smart Agriculture: Solutions to Reducing Poverty and Food Insecurity in Zambia. Available on: |
[14] |
Mweeba O, Mann G. Young marriage, parenthood and divorce in Zambia. Research Report. [Internet]. Oxford; 2020. Available from:
https://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:5b3f260f-3548-462c-8ef6-de7b87aaddcf |
[15] | Menon JA, Kusanthan T, Mwaba SOC, Juanola L, Kok MC. “Ring” your future, without changing diaper - Can preventing teenage pregnancy address child marriage in Zambia? PLoS One. 2018; 13(10): 1–17. |
[16] | Samantha W., (2013). A Review of Teenage Pregnancy in South Africa – Experiences of Schooling, and Knowledge and Access to Sexual & Reproductive Health Services. |
[17] | Mudenda, (2019). Community Perceptions and Factors Associated with Contraceptive Use Among Adolescent Females in Mazabuka District, Zambia. |
[18] | Ranjeeta Subedi, Israt Jahan and Pam Baatsen (2018): Factors Influencing Modern Contraceptive Use among Adolescents in Nepal; Nepal Health Research Council, Ramshahpath, Kathmandu, Nepal. |
[19] | Mumbi C., Khumbulani H., and Themba G., (2020). Patterns, trends, and factors associated with contraceptive use among adolescent girls in Zambia (1996 to 2014): a multilevel analysis. Chola et al. BMC Women's Health (2020) 20: 185 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12905-020-01050-1 |
[20] | Mandiwa C., Namondwe B., Makwinja A., and Zamawe C., (2018). Factors associated with contraceptive use among young women in Malawi: analysis of the 2015–16 Malawi demographic and health survey data. |
[21] | Sserwanja, Q., Musaba, M. W., Mutisya, L. M. et al. (2022). Rural-urban correlates of modern contraceptives utilization among adolescents in Zambia: a national cross-sectional survey. BMC Women's Health 22, 324 (2022). |
[22] | Simataa. M. N., (2017). Factors Associated with Contraceptive Use Among Youths Aged 15 To 24 Years in Zambia; A Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Public Health in Population Studies. The University of Zambia, Lusaka. |
[23] | Abebe, Haftom Temesgen, Belachew, Abate Bekelle, Gebretsadik, Letekirstos Gebreegziabher, Berhe, Yodit Zewdie, Gebru, Haftu Berhe, Kahsay, Alemayohu Bayray and Gebrekidan, Atkilt Girma. "Contraceptive use and its determinants among adolescent women in Tigray, Ethiopia: a multilevel modeling" International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, vol. 34, no. 5, 2022, pp. 327-336. |
[24] | Atuhaire et al (2021). Knowledge and attitude towards contraceptive use among adolescents in Africa: a systematic review. International Journal of Reproduction, Contraception, Obstetrics and Gynecology Atuhaire S et al. Int J Reprod Contracept Obstet Gynecol. 2021 Nov; 10(11): 4292-4303 |
[25] | Mutea L, Ontiri S, Kadiri F, Michielesen K, Gichangi P (2020) Access to information and use of adolescent sexual reproductive health services: Qualitative exploration of barriers and facilitators in Kisumu and Kakamega, Kenya. PLoS ONE 15(11): e0241985. |
APA Style
Nyau, K., Likwa, R. N., Banda, J. (2024). Determinants of Contraceptive Use Among Teenage Girls Aged (15-19) in Eastern Province, Zambia. American Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences, 5(3), 65-76. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajnhs.20240503.14
ACS Style
Nyau, K.; Likwa, R. N.; Banda, J. Determinants of Contraceptive Use Among Teenage Girls Aged (15-19) in Eastern Province, Zambia. Am. J. Nurs. Health Sci. 2024, 5(3), 65-76. doi: 10.11648/j.ajnhs.20240503.14
AMA Style
Nyau K, Likwa RN, Banda J. Determinants of Contraceptive Use Among Teenage Girls Aged (15-19) in Eastern Province, Zambia. Am J Nurs Health Sci. 2024;5(3):65-76. doi: 10.11648/j.ajnhs.20240503.14
@article{10.11648/j.ajnhs.20240503.14, author = {Kelly Nyau and Rosemary Ndonyo Likwa and Jeremiah Banda}, title = {Determinants of Contraceptive Use Among Teenage Girls Aged (15-19) in Eastern Province, Zambia }, journal = {American Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences}, volume = {5}, number = {3}, pages = {65-76}, doi = {10.11648/j.ajnhs.20240503.14}, url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajnhs.20240503.14}, eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajnhs.20240503.14}, abstract = {Access to sexual and reproductive health information and services among the young people remains a highly contested issue in many traditional societies Zambia included. Access to youth-friendly health services such as contraceptives is vital for ensuring the well-being of adolescents. This study endeavoured to establish determinants of contraceptive use among teenage girls aged 15 to 19 years in Eastern Province, Zambia. This was a mixed methods study that employed a sequential explanatory design. In the quantitative arm, the study utilized the 2018 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) women's dataset for Eastern Province, focusing on 326 teenage girls aged 15-19 years. The ZDHS data collection was done using multiple cluster sampling method and through household survey. The qualitative arm involved 6 focus group discussions with parents, 4 interviews with teachers and 6 interviews with healthcare providers in Petauke district. Contraceptive prevalence rate, and socio-economic and demographic factors influencing contraceptive use were measured in the quantitative part. The perception on teenage contraceptive use among key influencers was assessed in the qualitative arm. The prevalence of contraceptive use among teenage girls in Eastern province was at16%. Age, marital status, parity, visiting a health facility, being visited by a health provider and hearing about family planning on radio were significantly associated with contraceptive use (p< 0.05). Moreover, teenage girls who had ever been married had higher odds of contraceptive use than unmarried ones (AOR 3.57, 95% CI, 1.59, 8.01, p = 0.002). Further, those who heard about family planning at the health facility (AOR 2.37, 95% CI, 1.08, 5.21, p = 0.031) and those who heard on radio (AOR 2.55, 95% CI, 1.05-6.19, p = 0.038) had higher odds of contraceptive use than those who did not. The qualitative results found that most parents and teachers opposed the use of contraceptive by teenagers, while health providers supported it. Barriers to contraceptive use included religious beliefs, personal beliefs of healthcare providers, myths and misconceptions, and the fear of social stigma by teenagers. Whether or not adolescents have access to contraceptives, the decision to use them is heavily influenced by parents, and to some extent, teachers and health providers. Therefore, it is important to implement comprehensive educational programs not only for teenagers, but also for parents, teachers and healthcare providers, dispelling myths about contraceptives. }, year = {2024} }
TY - JOUR T1 - Determinants of Contraceptive Use Among Teenage Girls Aged (15-19) in Eastern Province, Zambia AU - Kelly Nyau AU - Rosemary Ndonyo Likwa AU - Jeremiah Banda Y1 - 2024/08/06 PY - 2024 N1 - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajnhs.20240503.14 DO - 10.11648/j.ajnhs.20240503.14 T2 - American Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences JF - American Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences JO - American Journal of Nursing and Health Sciences SP - 65 EP - 76 PB - Science Publishing Group SN - 2994-7227 UR - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajnhs.20240503.14 AB - Access to sexual and reproductive health information and services among the young people remains a highly contested issue in many traditional societies Zambia included. Access to youth-friendly health services such as contraceptives is vital for ensuring the well-being of adolescents. This study endeavoured to establish determinants of contraceptive use among teenage girls aged 15 to 19 years in Eastern Province, Zambia. This was a mixed methods study that employed a sequential explanatory design. In the quantitative arm, the study utilized the 2018 Zambia Demographic and Health Survey (ZDHS) women's dataset for Eastern Province, focusing on 326 teenage girls aged 15-19 years. The ZDHS data collection was done using multiple cluster sampling method and through household survey. The qualitative arm involved 6 focus group discussions with parents, 4 interviews with teachers and 6 interviews with healthcare providers in Petauke district. Contraceptive prevalence rate, and socio-economic and demographic factors influencing contraceptive use were measured in the quantitative part. The perception on teenage contraceptive use among key influencers was assessed in the qualitative arm. The prevalence of contraceptive use among teenage girls in Eastern province was at16%. Age, marital status, parity, visiting a health facility, being visited by a health provider and hearing about family planning on radio were significantly associated with contraceptive use (p< 0.05). Moreover, teenage girls who had ever been married had higher odds of contraceptive use than unmarried ones (AOR 3.57, 95% CI, 1.59, 8.01, p = 0.002). Further, those who heard about family planning at the health facility (AOR 2.37, 95% CI, 1.08, 5.21, p = 0.031) and those who heard on radio (AOR 2.55, 95% CI, 1.05-6.19, p = 0.038) had higher odds of contraceptive use than those who did not. The qualitative results found that most parents and teachers opposed the use of contraceptive by teenagers, while health providers supported it. Barriers to contraceptive use included religious beliefs, personal beliefs of healthcare providers, myths and misconceptions, and the fear of social stigma by teenagers. Whether or not adolescents have access to contraceptives, the decision to use them is heavily influenced by parents, and to some extent, teachers and health providers. Therefore, it is important to implement comprehensive educational programs not only for teenagers, but also for parents, teachers and healthcare providers, dispelling myths about contraceptives. VL - 5 IS - 3 ER -