Evolving Landscape of Modern Contraceptive Use in Ethiopia: A Two-Decade Analysis.

Objective: The prevalence of modern contraceptive use in Ethiopia has increased in the past two decades. Despite these efforts, unmet needs for modern contraception persist, with limited knowledge on regional variations and determining factors.

Method: We analyzed data from the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS) from 2000, 2005, 2011, 2016, and 2019. Descriptive statistics examined regional variations and trends in modern contraceptive use among married, non-pregnant women. Multilevel analysis identified individual and community-level factors influencing modern contraceptive use.

Result: Nationally, modern contraceptive prevalence (mCP) increased, but regional disparities widened, notably between Addis Ababa and Somalia, from 34.8 to 51.8 percentage points. Factors such as community wealth, residence, age, education, and number of children significantly influenced contraceptive use. The greatest increase in mCP was among women aged 15-24, with a rise of 49.4 percentage points from 2000 to 2019.

Conclusion: Tailored reproductive health services at both individual and community levels are essential to address the growing regional disparities in modern contraceptive use among married women in Ethiopia.