Determinants of Contraceptive Method Choice in Rural Tanzania Between 1991 and 1999

Author(s): Chen S, Guilkey D K

Year: 2003

Abstract:
Four pooled Demographic and Health survey data sets are used to examine the determinants of contraceptive method choice in rural Tanzania in the period 1991 to 1999. The individual data is linked to facility surveys conducted in the same communities so that the impact of Tanzania's family planning program can be examined. The very large sample size allows us to disaggregate method choice into five categories, including a separate category for condoms, even though this is a very low prevalence country. In addition, we are able to examine the impact of pharmacies. The focus of the paper is an examination of the impact on method choice of the three major components of Tanzania's program: logistical support, trained providers, and communications programs. The statistical methods employed correct for the potential endogeneity of message recall by joint estimation of an equation explaining contraceptive method choice and equations explaining family planning message recall and recall of having heard a radio drama. Simulations are used to quantify the impact of the important policy variables.