How women’s empowerment influences fertility-related outcomes and contraceptive practices: A cross-sectional study in Mozambique

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000670
• Publication Date: 2022-09-12T17:23:51Z
• Authors: Sofia Castro Lopes; Deborah Constant; Sílvia Fraga; Jane Harries
• Keywords: Odds; Women's empowerment; Cross-sectional study

Women's empowerment could be a crucial step for tackling gender inequality and improve women's reproductive health rights in Mozambique. This study aims to examine how different domains of influence fertility-related outcomes contraceptive practices We used the 2015 Demographic Health Survey (DHS) conducted Mozambique from which sample 2072 women aged 15 49 years were selected included this analysis. A principal component analysis was performed, components retained identified as empowerment. These were: Beliefs about violence against women, Decision-making, Control over sexuality safe sex. multinomial logistic regression run estimate association between levels each domain outcomes. Crude adjusted odds ratio (OR) calculated, with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). sex positively associated having 1 4 children. also increased likelihood wanting space childbearing more than 2 years. Decision-making not Middle high chances using any type method it longer periods. All domains, middle empowerment, decreased use contraception. Our confirmed multidimensional nature showing that had effect specific fertility reinforced importance approach estimating understanding It revealed critical role improving ability decide