To examine fertility preferences and contraceptive behaviour among in-union women with at least one living child in Malawi, highlighting the significance of this demographic.
Key Findings:
49.8% of women reported wanting no more children, while 44.7% desired additional children.
Desire for more children decreased with age and parity.
72.4% of women with limiting demand used modern contraception, while 25.4% used no method.
Side effects were the leading reason for discontinuation of modern contraceptive methods (37.4%).
Interpretation:
Fertility preferences in Malawi are significantly influenced by age and parity, yet many women who wish to limit childbearing do not use contraception, indicating a need for improved access and support, particularly addressing identified barriers.
Limitations:
The study focuses only on women with at least one living child, which may limit generalizability.
Potential biases in self-reported data regarding contraceptive use and fertility intentions may affect results.
Conclusion:
Addressing unmet contraceptive needs in Malawi requires enhancing access to family planning services and providing support for method continuation, particularly by addressing barriers identified in the study.
A case report described delayed diagnosis of primary abdominal ectopic pregnancy after a patient presented with persistent upper abdominal pain and nondiagnostic ultrasound findings.
