Abstract
Introduction: Women's autonomy has been shown to increase the uptake of modern contraception use and could affect the ability of women to utilize health services. The use of modern FP methods promotes the socio-economic well-being of women and their families. Aim: This research aimed to investigate the predictors of women's autonomy and its relationship with modern contraception use among married women in rural Assiut. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 101 married women of reproductive age recruited from primary health care centers.
Results: Total women's autonomy score ranged from 5–29 with a mean value of 19.2 ± 4.6. Working for cash and living in a nuclear family were significant positive predictors of women's autonomy. Individual decision-making and the mobility domains of women's autonomy were significantly associated with the usage of FP methods (P < 0.05). The significantly higher odds ratio for using long-acting/permanent FP methods was observed with an increase in the number of living children and with professional/employee occupations of husbands of the women. An increase in women's age was a significant negative predictor of the use of long-acting/permanent FP methods.
Conclusion: Women's employment and independence from family residence increase their autonomy in Upper Egypt. Women's participation in household decision-making and their freedom of mobility have positive impacts on contraceptive use. Usage of long-acting/permanent FP methods is positively affected by the high number of living children and the husbands' occupation of the women.