Abstract

This study examines the prevalence of the use of modern contraception given the different dimensions of family structure (i.e. number of living children; sex composition of children alive; sex/type of household head…) and what significant relevance it may have in creating appropriate family planning interventions. A literature search of studies on family structure in Africa shows little evidence of such a study conducted in Uganda.
It is a cross-sectional study that makes use of the most recent Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS, 2022), with focus on women of reproductive ages (15-49 years). A sample of 12,495 women is proposed.
In order to address the study objectives, descriptive statistics and chi-square tests shall be performed to assess the levels and patterns of modern contraceptive use in Uganda. And, the binary logistic regression shall be carried out, to test the association between the different dimensions of family structure and modern contraceptive use - highlighted above.
Expected Results. This paper has already established that, the prevalence of modern contraceptive use among women of reproductive age (15-49) in Uganda was estimated at 39% (UDHS, 2016). The study will show whether family structure do have an influence on modern contraceptive use, or not, and the likelihood of modern contraceptive use among women with different/varying family dimensions. The significance of the association between sex composition of children and modern contraceptives shall also be appraised, as well as women in female-headed and women in male-headed households, compared.
Conclusions about the influence(s) of family structure on modern contraceptive use in Uganda shall be drawn and discussed based on the outcomes of the findings. The study findings could have implications toward achieving the reproductive goals of the 3rd cycle of Uganda National Development Strategic Plan (2021-2025) and the Uganda Health Sector Strategic Plan (2021-2025), plus other future policies which have important reproductive health goals for women.