The Effect of Women’s Empowerment in the Utilization of Family Planning in Western Ethiopia: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach

This study investigated how women’s empowerment influences family planning use among 746 married women in Jimma Zone, Western Ethiopia. Using structural equation modeling, it found that 72% of participants had used family planning. Key factors associated with use included younger age, access to information and health facilities, awareness of family planning methods, rural residence, older partners, and greater household decision-making power. The findings underscore that women’s empowerment—particularly autonomy in decision-making—is a critical determinant of contraceptive use. The study recommends integrating empowerment strategies into family planning programs and calls for further research into the socio-cultural factors shaping women’s autonomy.

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