Contraception is said to be one of the vital determinants of fertility (Bongaarts, 1978).
African nations, especially those in sub-Saharan Africa have a history of high fertility levels
and low contraceptive use. However, contraceptive methods have been used one way or
another throughout human history, although, due to improvements, these methods have
evolved over the years.
In Namibia, there tend to be a huge gap between women’s knowledge of methods of
contraception and usage thereof. For instance as per NDHS survey of 2000, 97 percent of
married women knew of a contraceptive method, while 38 percent utilised them. This study
aims at investigating knowledge and usage of contraceptives among women in union of
reproductive age in an independent Namibia, 10 years after independence between 1992 and
2000. Socio-economic and demographic factors affecting contraceptive usage are examined
in this study to determine their significance.
Secondary data from the NDHS’s of 1992 and 2000 were utilised, targeting all women of
reproductive age currently married, or in consensual union. SPSS was used in data analysis
and the binary logistic regression model was utilised in testing the significance of socioeconomic
and demographic factors.
The results reveal an increase of contraceptive prevalence of roughly 17 percent between the
periods (from 27% to 44%), attributed to greater use of modern methods like injections and
female sterilisation. Socio-economic and demographic variables found to have a significant
effect on contraceptive use include: educational attainment, number of living children, health
directorate, respondent and partners approval, desire for additional children and the
discussion of family planning with partner.
It is suggested that continued family planning awareness programs should be intensified
countrywide and male involvement projects should become a priority