Several countries made commitments during the Conference on Population and Development in 1994 and the 2012 London Summit on family planning, which resulted in further actions indeed various interventions. However, despite such interventions, the socioeconomic inequalities related to contraceptive use have continued. There have been noteworthy positive achievements, however, such as the London Summit plan of reaching an additional 120 million users across Africa, Asia, and America over its 81 countries by 2020 perforce fell short of expectations. However, almost doubled the number of users of modern contraceptive methods using the method nearly 11-22 years later in sub-Saharan Africa.
The research presented in the paper is carried out among populations. The Demographic and Health Survey Program’s nationwide surveys, which are often conducted at the household level, provide the data. For the purpose of this study, individual data about contraceptive behavior and some socioeconomic variables were collected and reported by women of reproductive age (15-49 years). To measure household wealth based on living standards and economic conditions, we used 5 quintiles of household asset-based wealth information and collected data from these 59 countries participating in the Family Planning 2030 initiative.
This population-based analysis study has shown that socioeconomic indicators decrease and modulate modern contraceptive use among in-union women of reproductive age (15–49 years) from all countries after a 30-year-long phase of observation. The average annual increase in modern contraceptive prevalence rate (mCPR) was 2.1% (95% CI 2.1–2.2). The most rapid annual rate of increase was found among the poorest women: 3.1% (3.0–3.2), while the lowest rate of increase was characterized by the richest 1.3% (1.3–1.4%). These rates were similar for mDFPS but generally lower. Overall, there was an increase in mCPR and mDFPS levels and reductions in inequalities according to the socioeconomic status categories within a span of three decades.
This study provided evidence concerning the indications of progress made toward reducing socioeconomic disparity in the provision of family planning services over 48 priority countries that encapsulate 86% of the population belonging to the 82 FP2030 countries. Seventy-one countries were FP2020 initiative countries including South Africa; but as wiped out from FP2020, the FP2030 initiative covered 81 countries. This introduced changes in South Africa; so, starting with the list of nations followed by FP2020, we integrated the refreshed countries in FP2030. Because of this, South Africa was included in the analysis. In the last three decades, all 48 countries in this group managed to reduce inequality influenced by the socio-economic background in terms of contraception with modern methods and fully met demand satisfied by a modern method of family planning by use of contraception.
The narrowing of prevalence gaps was primarily driven by faster average annual increases in modern contraceptive use and demand satisfaction by modern methods among poorer women compared to richer women. Nonetheless, as countries approach the maximum achievable contraceptive prevalence rate, the emphasis should be that no one should be left behind, especially marginalized and vulnerable groups, such as those at the bottom of the income distribution. Moreover, we observed lower rates of change in the use of contraception (in comparison with data from COVID-19 nonoccurrence) between poor and richer income quintiles across seven countries receiving data both during COVID-19 and non-COVID-19; nevertheless, the inequalities with socio-economically class individuals were decreasing. This study will support researchers, policy-makers, and program implementers in coping with necessary planning with the FP2030 initiative for priority countries.
Reference: Cardona C, Rusatira JC, Salmeron C, et al. Progress in reducing socioeconomic inequalities in the use of modern contraceptives in 48 focus countries as part of the FP2030 initiative between 1990 and 2020: a population-based analysis. Lancet Glob Health. 2025;13(1):e38-e49. doi:10.1016/S2214-109X(24)00424-8
