Contextual influences on modern contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa.

OBJECTIVES: We examined the role of community-level factors in explaining geographic variations in modern contraceptive use in 6 African countries. METHODS: We analyzed Demographic and Health Survey and contextual data sources with multilevel modeling techniques to identify factors contributing to geographic variations in women's use of modern contraceptives. RESULTS: We found significant associations between several community-level factors and reported use of modern contraceptive methods. We also identified several pathways of influence between the community and the individual. CONCLUSIONS: Aspects of a community's sociocultural and economic environment appear to influence a woman's use of modern contraceptive methods.