Determinants and barriers to contraceptive use among women in Jordan: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

This study aimed to identify factors associated with contraceptive method use among married women in Jordan and to examine how sociodemographic, reproductive, and health system variables influence method selection. A cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2024 and July 2025 across all governorates of Jordan. Data were collected from 400 married women aged 18–48 years across all three regions of Jordan (northern, central, and southern) using a structured questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews and online surveys (n = 32). Multivariable binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of contraceptive method use. Among the 400 participants, 179 (44.8%) reported oral contraceptive pill use, while 167 (41.8%) reported IUD use. Fear of side effects (77.3%) and spousal objection (15.3%) were the primary barriers. Multivariable logistic regression identified younger age (AOR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.41–0.86), friends as an information source (AOR = 3.59, 95% CI: 1.48–8.70), and access through healthcare centers/hospitals (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.41–2.81) as significant predictors of oral contraceptive pill use. For IUD use, monthly income (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.29–2.90), number of children (AOR = 1.92, 95% CI: 1.26–2.94), family as an information source (AOR = 2.55, 95% CI: 1.36–4.79), and fear of side effects (AOR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.09–5.65) were positive predictors, while previous contraceptive use (AOR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.20–0.49) and reported complications (AOR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.14–0.58) were negative predictors, Contraceptive use in Jordan is shaped by a multifactorial combination of demographic, socioeconomic, reproductive, and sociocultural factors. Strengthening evidence-based counseling and addressing social and financial barriers are essential to support informed decision-making and improve maternal and public health outcomes.