Traditional Contraceptive Use among Married Women in Indonesia: A Nationally Representative Analysis of the 2017 Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Background Traditional contraceptive methods remain part of contraceptive practice in Indonesia. This study estimated their prevalence and examined associated demographic, reproductive, socioeconomic, and geographic characteristics. Methods We analyzed nationally representative data from the 2017 Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey. The analysis included currently married/in-union women aged 15–49 years using modern or traditional contraception. Survey-weighted logistic regression estimated adjusted odds ratios (AoRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), accounting for the complex survey design. Results Among 20,921 contraceptive users, 10.1% (95% CI: 9.5–10.7) used traditional methods. Withdrawal accounted for 65.9% of traditional method use, followed by periodic abstinence (29.8%). Compared with women aged 15–24 years, the odds of traditional rather than modern method use were higher among those aged 25–34 years (AoR 1.40, 95% CI: 1.10–1.77) and 35–49 years (AoR 1.80, 95% CI: 1.41–2.30). Higher odds were also observed among women with secondary (AoR 2.02, 95% CI: 1.16–3.52) or higher education (AoR 3.80, 95% CI: 2.16–6.70) and ≥ 5 children (AoR 2.00, 95% CI: 1.60–2.49). Rural residence was associated with lower odds (AoR 0.73, 95% CI: 0.64–0.84). Wealth and region were not significant after adjustment. Conclusions Traditional method use was associated with age, education, residence, and high parity. These associations characterize population-level patterns but do not establish the motivations or constraints underlying contraceptive method choice.
Source: Research Square
Institution: Tanjungpura University
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7204239756