METHOD: The comprehensive dataset of the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2017-18 has been used to investigate the effect of knowledge and access to contraceptives on UMNFP among MWRA in Pakistan by applying Multivariable Logistic regression.
RESULTS: The prevelance of UMNFP is higher among MWRA of 25 to 34 years than other age groups. The likelihood of UMNFP decreases with increase in education above the primary level. The prevalence of UMNFP is found higher among women who belong to the poorer wealth quintile than the women of the poorest wealth quintile. The odds of UMNFP are considerably low among women belonging to the richer and richest wealth quintile, compared to the women of the poorest wealth quintile. Women's participation in decision making for not using contraceptives is a significant factor to reduce UMNFP. The odds of UMNFP are higher among those women who have no knowledge and lack of access to contraceptives compared to those who have knowledge and access to contraceptives.
CONCLUSIONS: Both knowledge and access to contraceptives are important factors to determine UMNFP. The government should initiate programs to disseminate knowledge as well as provision of contraceptives for effective family planning.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire was conducted among the wives and regular sexual partners of MWIDs in the study location; 221 women were recruited through respondent-driven sampling. Data were analysed descriptively for the prevalence of consistent condom use, HIV status and HIV risk-related behaviour. Subsequently, simple and multiple logistic regressions were undertaken to identify the predictors of consistent condom use.
RESULTS: The prevalence of consistent condom use among respondents was 19.5%. Slightly more than half (52.5%) of respondents had never used condoms with their partner. Fourteen women (6.3%) reported being HIV positive. While 7.7% had HIV-positive partners, 45.7% were unaware of their partner's HIV status. Consistent condom use was significantly higher among single women (AOR = 4.95; 95% CI: 2.45, 9.99), women who lived in urban areas (AOR = 2.97; 95% CI: 1.30, 6.78), HIV-positive women (AOR = 3.45; 95% CI: 1.13, 10.5) and women involved in sex work (AOR = 3.55, 95% CI: 1.45, 8.67).
CONCLUSIONS: Inconsistent condom use among the majority of female sexual partners of MWIDs underscores the heightened risk faced by these women and calls for alternative prevention methods that women are able to control.