Family Planning in Mali: Further Analysis of the 2012-13 Demographic and Health Survey

The 2012-13 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) provided valuable insights into the family planning landscape in Mali. This further analysis of the DHS report aims to extend the understanding of family planning trends, unmet need, and associated characteristics in Mali. Knowledge of contraceptive methods is a crucial aspect of family planning. The survey revealed that 22% of all women and 15% of all men aged 15-49 in Mali do not know any method of contraception. Regional trends indicate that the percentage of married women aged 15-49 currently using contraception has increased over time, with the highest rates observed in the regions of Kayes and Koulikoro. However, the adjusted proportion of all women aged 15-49 currently using contraception remains low, particularly among those with lower levels of education and marital status. Intentions to use contraception are also an essential aspect of family planning. The survey found that 44% of currently married non-users aged 15-49 intend to use a method in the future. However, the covariates of current use and intention to use contraception among currently married women aged 15-49 not using any method reveal that factors such as education, marital status, and region of residence play a significant role in determining the likelihood of using contraception. Unmet need for family planning is a critical concern in Mali. The survey estimated that 34% of currently married women aged 15-49 have an unmet need for family planning, with the highest rates observed in the regions of Mopti and Gao. Regional trends indicate that the unmet need for family planning has decreased over time, particularly in the regions of Kayes and Koulikoro. However, the adjusted unmet need among currently married women aged 15-49 remains high, particularly among those with lower levels of education and marital status. Reproductive preferences and media exposure to family planning messages are also important factors in determining family planning outcomes. The survey found that the average number of children desired by women aged 15-49 has decreased over time, particularly in the regions of Kayes and Koulikoro. Media exposure to family planning messages has also increased over time, particularly among women aged 15-49 in the regions of Kayes and Koulikoro. The analysis of trends in family planning in Mali is complicated by the sampling problems in the most recent survey, which excluded the three northern regions of Gao, Kidal, and Timbuktu. Comparability over time requires excluding these regions in the total sample estimates. This exclusion is noted as the "adjusted" totals. In regional trend analyses, Mopti is included but not in the adjusted totals. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address the unmet need for family planning in Mali, particularly among women with lower levels of education and marital status. Increasing access to family planning information and services, particularly in rural areas, is essential to improving family planning outcomes in Mali.