Around 80% of the African population lives in urban areas, and a rapid urbanization is observed in almost all countries. Urban poverty has been linked to several sexual and reproductive health risks, including high levels of unintended pregnancies. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate wealth inequalities in demand for family planning satisfied with modern methods (mDFPS) among women living in urban areas from African countries.

43 national health surveys carried out since 2010 were used to assess wealth inequalities in mDFPS and the ecological relationship between the proportion of urban population living in informal settlements and both mDFPS and inequalities in coverage. 

Important wealth inequalities in mDFPS among women living in urban areas were found in many African countries. The findings of this study also highlight the interconnection between rapid urbanization, poverty and coverage of sexual and reproductive health. The identification of lower coverage among the urban-poorer women can contribute to future research and family planning interventions in African countries, guiding the attention of researchers and policy makers through this specific subgroup who have been left behind.

Link to access the full text: Frontiers Global Womens Health