Abstract
Background: In Ethiopia, limited use of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) contributes to unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and preventable maternal deaths. Despite their proven effectiveness, LARCs remain underutilized. Evidence on women’s preferences and willingness to pay (WTP) is scarce. This study examined women’s stated preferences, WTP, and trade-offs regarding LARC use in Gondar. Methods: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 344 contraceptive users, generating 8,256 observations. A discrete choice experiment (DCE) with 24 choice tasks, divided into two blocks, was employed. Each task presented two unlabeled alternatives defined by six key attributes, identified through literature review and expert consultation. Data were analyzed using mixed logit models to estimate preference strength and WTP based on model coefficients. Results: The analysis revealed that provider type significantly influenced women’s preferences. Women showed the highest WTP for LARCs provided by midwives [528 ETB (10.15 USD)], compared to services offered by doctors [285 ETB (5.48 USD)] and health officers [215 ETB (4.13 USD)]. Preferences were also shaped by side-effect profiles: methods associated with slight weight gain [155 ETB (2.98 USD)], high effectiveness [80 ETB (1.54 USD)], and absence of bleeding [74 ETB (1.43 USD)] were positively valued. Conversely, heavy menstrual bleeding led to the largest reduction in WTP [–688 ETB (–13.24 USD)], indicating a significant barrier to LARC uptake. Longer-acting methods also reduced WTP [–139 ETB (–2.68 USD)], possibly reflecting concerns about long-term commitment or side effects. Cost sensitivity was evident, as increases of 100 ETB (1.92 USD) or 500 ETB (9.92 USD) further reduced uptake likelihood. Conclusion: Women’s preferences for LARCs are influenced by provider type, side effects, and cost. Enhancing LARC services by prioritizing midwife-led delivery, addressing side effects such as heavy menstrual bleeding, and considering women’s WTP can increase uptake. These findings highlight the need for affordable, user-centered contraceptive services in Ethiopia.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 86 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | Health Economics Review |
| Volume | 15 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 2025 |
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This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being -
SDG 5 Gender Equality
Keywords
- Contraceptive preferences
- Discrete choice experiment
- Ethiopia
- Long-acting reversible contraceptives
- Willingness to pay
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