Women's autonomy and utilization of contraception in urban poor communities in Sudan

Ibrahim Ms Ghada, Information and Decision Support Center (IDSC), the Egyptian Cabinet

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between women’s utilization of contraception and the status of women in deprived urban areas in Khartoum, Sudan. A sample of 1,952 currently married women in reproductive age is used in the analysis. Women's autonomy is measured by using four indices: women's involvement in domestic decision making, women's attitudes towards domestic violence, women's perception toward her freedom in deciding whether to work and gain regular income, and to what extend her contribution into household income. Furthermore, data related to maternal health services in Khartoum were collected to control the availability of the services in this area. Results show that using family planning methods among currently married women significantly dependents on her autonomy status and availability of services . Moreover, some policy implications of the findings regarding fertility decline, increase of utilization of family planning contraception, and women’s autonomy are discussed.