Contraception Crisis in Somalia: Unveiling the Shocking Reality of a Nation Left behind

Abstract

Background. Despite global efforts to promote contraceptive use and ensure reproductive health, Somalia continues to face significant challenges in this regard. This study aims to explore the prevalence of contraceptive use in Somalia and identify the determinants influencing its use. Methods. A total of 8,162 reproductive-aged women's data were analyzed extracted from 2020 Somali Health and Demographic Survey. The outcome variable was contraception use, classified as any contraception use (yes vs. no), any modern contraception use (yes vs. no), and any traditional contraception use (yes vs. no). The explanatory variables were factors at the individual, household, and community level. The multivariate binary logistic regression model was used to explore associations of outcome variables with explanatory variables. Results. The findings revealed low prevalence of contraceptive use among Somalia women, with only 7% reporting its use. Among them, less than 1% utilized modern contraceptive methods. Several determinants of contraception use were identified, including younger age, higher educational attainment (primary and secondary education), higher parity, exposure to family planning messages through mass media, urban place of residence, and residing in the northwest and northeast regions of Somalia. Conclusion. The results underscore the urgent need for substantial efforts to improve contraceptive use in Somalia. Strengthening healthcare facilities to provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, with a particular focus on promoting contraception uptake, is crucial. Public awareness campaigns and educational programs should also be prioritized to enhance knowledge and understanding of contraception among Somali women.