Underuse of modern contraception in sub-Saharan Africa: are there implications for sustainable development and climate change? A review of the literature

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to review the recent literature regarding the underuse of modern contraception in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and examine the link with poverty, conflict, sustainable development and climate change.

Methods: Data were examined in the PubMed, Hindawi and Science Direct databases. Selected studies were primary research published in the last 10 years relating to modern contraceptive use in SSA.

Results: Six common themes contributing to modern contraceptive underuse in SSA emerged: conflicts and security, religious and cultural restrictions, partner consent and support, misconceptions and lack of education, health system barriers and the socioeconomic benefits of having a larger family.

Conclusions: The identified barriers to modern contraceptive use in SSA are preventable. It is imperative to ensure that adequate, sustainable measures are implemented to increase the uptake of modern contraception in SSA.

摘要

目的：本研究的目的是回顾最近关于撒哈拉以南非洲（SSA）现代避孕措施使用不足的文献, 并探究其与贫困、冲突、可持续发展和气候变化之间的关系。

方法：应用PubMed、Hindawi和Science Direct数据库进行数据分析。选定的研究是过去10年内发表的关于SSA现代避孕使用的初步研究。

结果：导致SSA现代避孕使用不足的六个共同主题为：冲突与安全、宗教与文化限制、伴侣同意与支持、错误的观点与缺乏教育、健康系统障碍以及大家庭带来的社会经济利益。

结论：SSA中被确定的导致避孕使用不足的障碍是可以预防避免的。必须确保采取充分、可持续的措施, 增加SSA对现代避孕方法的接受。

Keywords:

• Climate change
• modern contraception
• sub-Saharan Africa
• sustainable development
• underuse

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors contributed equally to the planning, drafting and finalising of the work.