Senior Project Advisor

Hilary Schwandt

Document Type

Project

Publication Date

Spring 2024

Keywords

Rwanda, Family Planning, Implant, Contraceptive, Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive, Reproductive Health, Global Health, Public Health, Research, Quantitative Research

Abstract

Though short-acting contraceptive methods have historically been the most common methods used in Rwanda, particularly the injectable, now the implant is the most common contraceptive method used in Rwanda. This study aims to better understand the implant user profile in Rwanda. Data were extracted from family planning client forms located at public family planning clinics and health posts in two districts of Rwanda in 2022 and 2023. Half of the implant users in both districts selected the implant as their first method. Further analysis shows that women who initiate implant use as their first method are on average younger, have fewer children, have no abortion or child death experience, use implants for spacing, and are postpartum as compared to those who switch to implant. These demographic factors do not align with the common profile of implant users being older and having more children. This profile suggests that women who are young and at the start of their childbearing years select an implant as their contraceptive method after the birth of their first child. This trend implies long, effective birth spacing and smaller family size desires, suggesting a shift in family size norms as well as improved family planning education and accessibility within the region, particularly in the postpartum period.

Department

Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies

Type

Text

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

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