FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH USE OF LESS EFFECTIVE CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS AMONG WOMEN USING FAMILY PLANNING METHODS IN NANDI COUNTY, KENYA
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Date
2026-09-15
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Abstract
Background: Unintended pregnancy remains a major public health challenge in Kenya. Despite increasing contraceptive uptake, some women continue to use less-effective contraceptive methods, which are associated with higher typical-use failure rates and increased risk of unintended pregnancy. Evidence on the prevalence and determinants of less-effective contraceptive use remains limited. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with use of less-effective contraceptive methods among women using family planning in Nandi County, Kenya.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 422 women aged 18–49 years using family planning methods in Nandi County, Kenya. Participants were selected through multistage sampling and all 422 sampled women completed the interview. Data were collected from May to July 2026 using an interviewer-administered questionnaire in KoboToolbox and analysed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and multivariable modified Poisson regression with robust variance estimation. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.
Results: Overall, 25.4% (107/422) of participants used less-effective contraceptive methods, with the Standard Days Method being the most commonly used (17.8%). Fear of side effects was the leading reported reason for use (95.3%). Utilization was significantly associated with age 25–34 years (aPR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.01–2.30), age 35–49 years (aPR=2.24, 95% CI: 1.31–3.84), marital status (aPR=0.41, 95% CI: 0.26–0.65), employment status (aPR=0.66, 95% CI: 0.48–0.91), partner-influenced contraceptive choice (aPR=1.51, 95% CI: 1.03–2.20), never having visited a health facility for contraceptive services (aPR=3.21, 95% CI: 2.32–4.46), not discussing family planning with a partner (aPR=0.32, 95% CI: 0.16–0.63), and reporting that contraceptive stock-outs was associated with less effective contraceptive choice (aPR=0.61, 95% CI: 0.37–0.99).
Conclusion: Less-effective contraceptive use was common among family planning users in Nandi County. Strengthening contraceptive counselling and community-based interventions may support informed contraceptive choice and reduce reliance on less-effective methods.