Abstract
Modern contraceptives are highly effective and proven means of preventing unintended pregnancy and reducing maternal mortality. Social and economic characteristics are some of the key determinants of health and utilization family planning. However, studies examining the factors associated with utilization of long acting reversible contraception (LARC) are limited in Nepal. This study assessed the factors associated with utilization of LARC methods among married women of reproductive age in Nepal. Secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2016 Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). A logistic regression model examined the association of socioeconomic, demographic, or fertility related characteristics with the use of LARCs among 9875 ever married women of reproductive age. The overall utilization rate of LARC in this study was 4.7%. Women in the age group of <25 years (AOR: 0.65, 95% CI: 0.45-0.92) and 25-35 years (AOR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.56-0.89), having husbands with primary education (AOR:0.71; 95%CI: 0.64-0.84) and no education (AOR: 0.54; 95%CI: 0.38-0.73), belonging to Janajatis (AOR: 0.55; 95%CI: 0.42-0.71) and Newars (AOR: 0.29; 95%CI: 0.19-42), poor wealth quintile (AOR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.45-0.86) had negative association with LARC use. On the other hand, women having their husband as a skilled worker (AOR: 1.49; 95%CI: 1.10-2), having two or less than two children (AOR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.15-1.186), and having desire for children in future (AOR: 3.24; 95% CI: 2.29-4.57) had positive association with the use of LARC. In this study, younger women's age, low or no husband's education, from indigenous community such as Janajati and Newer, being in lowest wealth quintile negatively influenced the use of LARC. Conversely, women having her husband as skilled worker, parity less than two, and desire of having future children, positively influenced the use of LARC. The study highlights the need to reach women who were in the lower socioeconomic background to improve LARC use.