La pratique contraceptive moderne chez les adolescentes au Bénin: Tendances, déterminants et perspectives

Modern contraceptive use is increasing more slowly among younger generations in Benin. The present study analyses trends, determinants of contraceptive use, and their mechanisms of action among adolescent girls. Socio-ecological and intersectional approaches were adopted, with a mixed method approach focusing on sexually active, non-pregnant adolescents aged 15 to 19. The quantitative component used data from Benin's five demographic and health surveys between 1996 and 2017–18, with descriptive analysis and stepwise binary logistic regression. Qualitative data collected through observations, focus group discussions and individual interviews with various national stakeholders, were subjected to content analysis. The results reveal a low modern contraceptive prevalence, rising from 4.6% in 1996 to 13.3% in 2017–18, with condoms being the main method used (8.2%). In 2017–18, the chance of using contraceptives was higher among adolescent girls from wealthy households (OR = 2.3), in school (OR = 2.3), unmarried (OR = 2.1), attending family planning services (OR = 1.8), knowing the menstrual cycle (OR = 1.6), and economically active (OR = 1.5). However, being Yoruba reduced the likelihood of using contraceptives (OR = 0.5). Qualitative data confirms these findings and complements them by highlighting the effects of a legal framework favourable to contraceptive practice, the social stigmatisation of users, and misinformation conveyed in the community. We recommend efforts to keep girls in school, generalise family planning services for adolescents, promote community communication, and subsidise contraceptives.