Constructs of Power and Equity, and Their Association with Contraceptive Use among African Men and Women

Rob Stephenson, Emory University
Doris Bartel, CARE USA
Marcie Rubardt, CARE USA

This paper addresses the question: “how do perceptions of personal power and gender equity influence their reports of contraceptive use in Ethiopia and Kenya.” Data were collected from men and women aged 15-45 in rural areas of Ethiopia and Kenya. Regression models were fitted to outcomes measuring current use of a modern method of contraception. The key covariates of interest in each model were scales measuring power and equity. Perceived power in a relationship was associated with the reporting of contraceptive use for men in both Ethiopia and Kenya, but not for women in either country. For women, perceived equity proved to be associated with the reporting of contraceptive use in both countries, but was not significant for men in either country. The findings are important for program planners who are interested in honing the gender components of reproductive health programs that are aimed at addressing unmet need for family planning.