TITLE:
Determinants of Current Contraceptive Use among Female Apprentices in Lokossa, Benin: A Mixed-Methods Cross-Sectional Study
AUTHORS:
Mahublo Vinadou Vodouhe, Sedjro Raoul Atade, Akossiba Emma Zita Abobo, Luc Behanzin, Achille Awadé Afoukou Obossou, Nouessewa Fanny Maryline Hounkponou Ahouingnan
KEYWORDS:
Female Apprentices, Contraception, Reproductive Health, Young Women, Benin
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Reproductive Sciences,
Vol.14 No.2,
April
9,
2026
ABSTRACT: Female apprentices are a socially and economically vulnerable group, yet evidence on contraceptive use in this population remains limited in Benin. This mixed-methods cross-sectional analytical study assessed the prevalence and determinants of current contraceptive use among female apprentices in Lokossa. In 2025, 356 female apprentices were selected through a four-stage probabilistic sampling procedure. The primary outcome was current contraceptive use during the two months preceding the survey. Quantitative data were analyzed using logistic regression, while qualitative data from apprentices and maternity-unit providers were used to contextualize the findings. Current contraceptive use was 5.62%. Among sexually active apprentices (n = 267), the corresponding prevalence was 7.49%. and 85.0% of current users relied on modern methods. The median age was 18 years, 59.55% of participants were aged 15 - 19 years, and 74.44% were nulligravid. Overall contraceptive knowledge was insufficient in 62.08% of participants. In the final multivariable model, favorable perception of contraception (aOR = 10.46; 95% CI: 3.60 - 30.30), access to contraceptive information (aOR = 12.60; 95% CI: 1.61 - 98.30), and a stigma-related factor (aOR = 0.32; 95% CI: 0.11 - 0.90) remained associated with current contraceptive use. Qualitative findings highlighted fear of infertility and side effects, partner opposition, social judgment, and poor-quality information as major barriers. Current contraceptive use among female apprentices in Lokossa was therefore very low. Interventions should prioritize accurate information, reduction of myths and fear, and youth-adapted counseling.