Background
This thesis examines the complex relationship between fertility intentions, contraception,
and fertility in northern Malawi. Malawi has one of the highest contraceptive prevalence
rates (CPR) in sub-Saharan Africa (42%), puzzlingly coupled with one of the highest
fertility rates (5.7)[1]. Conventional assessments of contraception do not furnish a clear
understanding of contraceptive dynamics. The Karonga Prevention Study (KPS) provides a
unique opportunity to unpack these issues.
Methods
A secondary data analysis was conducted to explore whether rates of conception varied by
fertility intentions and contraceptive use in Karonga. A new one-year prospective
longitudinal study collected provider-recorded data on contraceptive services, using patientheld
records for 4,678 women aged 15-49, allowing an exploration of postpartum uptake,
contraceptive switching and discontinuation. In-depth interviews explored women’s reasons
for contraceptive choices and changes.
Findings
Women who wanted a child within two years had a 45.5% chance of conceiving within two
years, as compared to an 11.7% chance for women who wanted no more children. A novel
construct of the CPR was used (the “actual CPR”) and estimated at 35.1%. There was high
discontinuation of injectables and oral contraception pills (OCP) (only 51.2% of injectionusers
and 27.9% of OCP-users had their next injection/pill-cycle on time), and just 15.1%
managed to adhere to the injection schedule consistently over 12 months. Amongst
postpartum women, 28.4% initiated contraception within six months. Women viewed
themselves as contraception users even if they were not using the methods consistently.
Implications
The actual CPR was lower than conventional estimates, demonstrating that conventional
estimates of contraceptive use must be corrected to account for periods of non-use. The
reliance on short-term methods, and high discontinuation rates contribute to persistently high
fertility in Malawi. In a context of relatively good provision of contraceptive services,
quality of care must be improved, and strategies to motivate women to adhere to their
method of choice must be employed. Promotion of long-acting methods is also key.