Original Research Are rural adolescent girls in Senegal more likely to use family planning? DHS 2023 analysis

Ndeye M. Sougou, Cheikh T. Diop

About the author(s) Ndeye M. Sougou, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal; and, Institute of Health Development, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal; and, International Research Laboratory (IRL 3189 ‘Environnement, Santé, Sociétés’), Faculty of Medicine, University of Cheikh Anta Diop, Dakar, Senegal
Cheikh T. Diop, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University Alioune Diop of Bambey, Bambey, Senegal

Abstract

Background: In Senegal, adolescent reproductive health is a public health priority.
Aim: The objective of this research is to identify and analyse the key determinants of modern contraceptive uptake among Senegalese adolescents in 2023.
Setting: The study focused on adolescent family planning in Senegal in 2023.
Methods: The study draws on secondary data from the 2023 Senegal Demographic and Health Survey. The sample comprised 16 583 women aged 15–49 years. Adolescent girls aged 15–19 years represented 4024 individuals. The analysis included descriptive, comparative and multivariable statistical approaches. The outcome variable was binary, indicating whether or not a modern contraceptive method was used. All analyses were conducted using STATA version 15.
Results: Among the adolescent girls surveyed, 19.33% reported having initiated sexual intercourse, with the earliest reported age at sexual debut being 9 years. Additionally, 10.77% had engaged in sexual activity within the 4 weeks preceding the survey, indicating recent sexual activity. However, only 2.05% (n = 80) of these adolescents reported using contraception at the time of the survey. Factors significantly associated with the use of modern contraceptive methods included residing in a rural area (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.58; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.34–0.96), being married (AOR = 20.61; 95% CI: 11.43–37.14), low socioeconomic status (AOR = 2.35; 95% CI: 1.35–4.08), and identifying as Christian (AOR = 3.41; 95% CI: 2.52–18.19).
Conclusion: These findings underscore the need for targeted and context-sensitive sexual and reproductive health interventions. In particular, efforts should prioritise improving access to modern contraception among the most vulnerable subgroups, including adolescent girls living in rural areas, those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and unmarried adolescents.
Contribution: This study provides a better understanding of the determinants of family planning among adolescents, which can inform the development of evidence-based health programmes aimed at improving the sexual and reproductive health of Senegalese women.

Keywords

family planning; adolescent girls; associated factors; adolescents’ sources of family planning information; Senegal

Sustainable Development Goal

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

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