Contextual influences on modern contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa.
OBJECTIVE
We examined the role of community-level factors in explaining geographic variations in modern contraceptive use in 6 African countries.


METHODS
We analyzed Demographic and Health Survey and contextual data sources with multilevel modeling techniques to identify factors contributing to geographic variations in women's use of modern contraceptives.


RESULTS
We found significant associations between several community-level factors and reported use of modern contraceptive methods. We also identified several pathways of influence between the community and the individual.


CONCLUSIONS
Aspects of a community's sociocultural and economic environment appear to influence a woman's use of modern contraceptive methods.
Stephenson
Rob
R
Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Ga 30322, USA. rbsteph@sph.emory.edu
Baschieri
Angela
A
Clements
Steve
S
Hennink
Monique
M
Madise
Nyovani
N
D000328:Adult; D017954:Africa South of the Sahara; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000639:trends*; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors