Piloting measures of provider-imposed contraceptive coercion among reproductive-aged contraceptive users in Kisumu, Kenya: a cross-sectional, population-based study

Abstract

Introduction: Little research has focused on measuring free contraceptive choice, or whether individuals can make decisions about contraception without barriers or coercion. To advance measurement, we pilot survey questions focused on experiences of provider-imposed contraceptive coercion using population-based data collected among contraceptive users in Kisumu, Kenya. Methods: We describe the percentage of women who reported provider-imposed coercion-related outcomes. We then examine demographic and facility-level correlates of feeling pressured or unable to say no to contraception and compare the extent that measures of feeling pressured and unable to say no to contraception overlap using 2 × 2 tables and Cohen’s Kappa Statistic. Results: The percentage of participants who reported provider-imposed coercion ranged by question from 1% to 57%. There were no associations between demographic or facility characteristics, including age, marital status, parity, and facility type (public or private), and either reporting feeling pressured or reporting feeling unable to say no to using contraception. There was no agreement between measures of feeling pressured and unable to say no to contraception (Kappa statistic − 0.11). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that many women in Kisumu report experiencing some form of provider-imposed contraceptive coercion, though the proportion who report such experiences varies based on survey question. Further research is needed to improve reliable measurement of free contraceptive choice.