Understanding the link between urban household food insecurity and contraceptive use among reproductive-age women in Lideta Sub-City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Abstract

Introduction: The enhancement of reproductive health in women can result in an improvement of children’s nutritional status resulting in improvement of reproductive health. This association is important for sustainable population growth without overusing resources. This study aims to examine the relationship between household food insecurity and contraceptive use.Method: A study was conducted on 651 reproductive-age women in three randomly selected Woredas (districts), Lideta Sub-city from February to March 2023. Six Ketenas (villages) were selected using a probability proportional to size technique from three Woredas. Data were collected through a validated survey by trained individuals, and household income and expenditure were used to measure food insecurity access. The Pearson chi-square test (c2) and logistic regression were used to examine the relationship between household food insecurity and contraceptive use, considering other covariates.Result: Modern contraception usage was at 50.5% in the study area. Women with food insecurity had only a 32.0% usage rate, while those who were food secure had the higher rate of 68.7%. Women in food-insecure households had a 76.5% lower chance of using modern contraception. Positive attitude, family planning information, partner discussion, income, and childhood mortality were associated with contraceptive use (p <0.05).Conclusion: Use of modern methods of contraception showed a negative correlation with food insecurity. Therefore,  addressing household food insecurity as a potential obstacle to the development of family planning services requires comprehensive stakeholder engagement and socio-economic policy intervention.