Contraceptive methods among young married women in rural Burkina Faso: Challenges and motivations

Abstract

Background. Contraceptive prevalence remains low in developing countries. This low prevalence is not linked to unmet family planning needs, but rather to barriers to contraceptive use in women. One of the benefits of contraception is birth spacing and better development for the family. In Burkina Faso, few studies have been performed on the barriers and motivations to the use of contraception by young rural married women.

Objectives. We conducted a qualitative, descriptive, exploratory case study to understand the barriers and motivations to the use of effective modern methods of contraception by young married women in rural Burkina Faso.

Methods. Modern contraceptive methods were hormonal (oral or injectble) or intra-uterine devices. The sampling was non-probabilistic by reasoned choices. Data were derived from responses from individual in-depth semi-structured interviews, observations and a literature review. These were then analysed thematically.

Results. Gender relations unfavorable to women, the desire to have a large family, and shortcomings in communication constitute obstacles to the use of modern contraceptive methods. Despite these obstacles, the many benefits of modern contraceptives, namely the improving of health and family welfare and the empowerment of young women are a motivation to the use of effective contraception by young women, though this is dependant on partner support.

Conclusion. Despite the many obstacles to contraception, the many benefits motivate women to adhere to contraceptive methods