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The Effect of Women’s Empowerment in the Utilisation of Family Planning in Western Ethiopia: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach

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  • Muluken Dessalegn Muluneh

    (Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia, P.O. Box 20855, Addis Ababa 1000, Ethiopia
    School of Nursing and Midwifery, Parramatta South Campus, Western Sydney University, Parramatta, NSW 2151, Australia)

  • Lyn Francis

    (School of Nursing and Midwifery, Parramatta South Campus, Western Sydney University, Parramatta, NSW 2151, Australia)

  • Mhiret Ayele

    (Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia, P.O. Box 20855, Addis Ababa 1000, Ethiopia)

  • Sintayehu Abebe

    (Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia, P.O. Box 20855, Addis Ababa 1000, Ethiopia)

  • Misrak Makonnen

    (Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia, P.O. Box 20855, Addis Ababa 1000, Ethiopia)

  • Virginia Stulz

    (School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia)

Abstract

This study examines the associations between women’s empowerment and family planning use in Jimma Zone, Western Ethiopia. A total of 746 randomly selected married women of reproductive age were interviewed. The data were employed by structural equation modelling (SEM) to investigate the complex and multidimensional pathways to show women’s empowerment domains in family planning utilisation. Results of the study revealed that 72% of married women had used family planning. Younger women, having access to information, having access to health facilities and being aware about family planning methods, living in a rural area, having an older partner and increased household decision-making power were associated with using family planning methods. Women’s empowerment is an important determinant of contraceptive use. Women’s empowerment dimensions included increased household decision-making power, socio-demographic variables and having access to information about family planning and accessible health facilities. These were found to be important determinants of contraceptive use. Future interventions should focus on integrating women’s empowerment into family planning programming, particularly in enhancing women’s autonomy in decision making. Further research is warranted on the socio-cultural context of women that influences women’s empowerment and family planning use to establish an in-depth understanding and equity of women in society.

Suggested Citation

  • Muluken Dessalegn Muluneh & Lyn Francis & Mhiret Ayele & Sintayehu Abebe & Misrak Makonnen & Virginia Stulz, 2021. "The Effect of Women’s Empowerment in the Utilisation of Family Planning in Western Ethiopia: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-14, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:12:p:6550-:d:577009
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Pratley, Pierre, 2016. "Associations between quantitative measures of women's empowerment and access to care and health status for mothers and their children: A systematic review of evidence from the developing world," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 169(C), pages 119-131.
    2. Muluken Dessalegn Muluneh & Virginia Stulz & Lyn Francis & Kingsley Agho, 2020. "Gender Based Violence against Women in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cross-Sectional Studies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-21, February.
    3. Muluken Dessalegn Muluneh & Lyn Francis & Kingsley Agho & Virginia Stulz, 2021. "A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Associated Factors of Gender-Based Violence against Women in Sub-Saharan Africa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-28, April.
    4. Myint Myint Wai & Espen Bjertness & Hein Stigum & Thein Thein Htay & Tippawan Liabsuetrakul & Aye Nyein Moe Myint & Johanne Sundby, 2019. "Unmet Need for Family Planning among Urban and Rural Married Women in Yangon Region, Myanmar—a Cross-Sectional Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(19), pages 1-13, October.
    5. Deepa Narayan, 2002. "Empowerment and Poverty Reduction : A Sourcebook," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 15239.
    6. Muluken Dessalegn & Mhiret Ayele & Yeshitila Hailu & Genetu Addisu & Sintayehu Abebe & Haset Solomon & Geteneh Mogess & Virginia Stulz, 2020. "Gender Inequality and the Sexual and Reproductive Health Status of Young and Older Women in the Afar Region of Ethiopia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-14, June.
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