WOMEN-EMPOWERMENT AS PREDICTOR OF MODERN CONTRACEPTIVE USE IN HOUSEHOLDS IN SIRONKO DISTRICT.

Abstract

This study investigated the influence of women’s empowerment on the use of modern contraceptives among women of reproductive age (18-49 years) in Sironko District, Uganda. Employing a mixed-methods design, the research explored the predictive role of social, economic, and psychological empowerment domains in determining modern contraceptive behaviour. A total of 170 women and men who were actively using modern contraceptives participated in the quantitative survey, while qualitative data were gathered through five key informant interviews and four focus group discussions. Quantitative findings indicated that respondents using long-acting contraceptive methods reported significantly higher levels of empowerment across all domains, with economic empowerment scoring highest and psychological empowerment lowest. One-way ANOVA tests confirmed statistically significant differences in empowerment scores across contraceptive types (p < 0.001). Qualitative results corroborated these findings, revealing that women with financial autonomy and confidence were more likely to use modern contraceptives consistently, often without spousal involvement. Conversely, limited psychological empowerment—characterised by low self-esteem and fear of social or partner disapproval—remained a barrier. The study concluded that enhancing women’s empowerment, particularly through education, financial independence, and confidence-building, can substantially improve the uptake and sustainability of modern contraceptive use. Recommendations included targeted community interventions, male involvement, and integration of empowerment strategies into reproductive health programmes.