Impact of MCH Service Utilization on the Uptake of Modern Contraceptives in Pakistan: Evidence from PDHS 2017-18

Objective: To examine whether the use of MCH service increases women's early adoption of contraceptives or not. Methodology: The current study uses the data from the fourth round of the Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) carried out in 2017-18. The PDHS is a survey of 12,815 nationally representative sample households. It is the collaborative effort of the DHS Program, ICF funded by USAID, and the National Institute of Population Studies (NIPS), Pakistan. Results: The survey covered 13,118 ever-married women in the reproductive age group of 15-49 years. Among the participants, 79% did not use any contraceptive method within 12 months following birth 16 % used a modern method and the rest of 5% are using the traditional method. The results of the multinomial logistic model show that the utilization of MCH services has a positive association with contraceptive uptake. 1 unit increase in media exposure would significantly raise 0.36 units of use of modern contraception methods. Women with secondary or higher education levels have used modern contraceptives, that is with a 1 unit rise in educational level to secondary and higher there would be a 0.3 and 0.44 unit rise in the use of modern contraceptive methods as compared to never-users. Conclusion: An increase in the usage of contraceptives in Pakistan may result from the need for more assistance in improving the use of maternal healthcare. To overcome persistent discrepancies in healthcare utilization, it is advised that resources be allocated to rural communities that are poorer and have lower levels of education. Key words: Contraceptive, Family planning, Methods, Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey