Determinants of family planning use among currently married women aged 15-49 years and their partners: a secondary analysis based on the Egypt Demographic and Health Surveys, 2000 and 2008

Background: Determinants of family planning (FP) use were studied in multiple researches. Strong associations were recognized between FP use and some socio-demographic, sociocultural and socio-economic characteristics. Objective: to identify determinants of FP use and other factors that may influence FP use and decision making. Method: Secondary analysis of data from the Egypt Demographic Health Survey (EDHS) 2000 and 2008. Pearson's Chi-square (χ2), two sample t test and regression analyses were performed. Results: The contraceptive prevalence rate in 2000 & 2008 was 48.5% & 51.6% respectively. The significant predictors of FP use in both EDHS were; participant age, residence, husband education and desire for more children. FP use was steadily increasing with the increase of respondent‟s education from 42.9% to 56.4%. Partner‟s education significantly influenced FP use; it increased from 40.6% to 56.8%. FP decision was determined by: respondent‟s age, education, work & place of residence, and partner‟s education in both surveys. Conclusion: Respondents' age, work & education, husbands' education, and contact with healthcare workers were FP and fertility determinants. Therefore we recommend avoiding early marriage, encouraging education for girls and boys, improving the outreach services, and empowering women with more work opportunities.