An Application of Grossman’s Health Demand Model to Examine Determinants of Contraceptive Use among Women in Tanzania: Evidence from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey 2022

Abstract

Purpose: This study examines the factors influencing contraceptive use among women in Tanzania by applying Grossman’s Health Demand Model, which views health as a form of human capital. The goal is to analyze how socio-economic, demographic, and informational factors affect women’s choices among modern, traditional, and folkloric contraceptive methods versus non-use. Methods: Employing nationally representative data from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey (TDHS), the study employs a multinomial logit model to estimate the likelihood of selecting each contraceptive method. Grossman’s Health Demand Model offers the theoretical basis, framing contraceptive use as a preventive health investment. Independent variables include age, education, wealth status, media exposure, employment, marital status, and visits to health facilities. Findings: Results show that age, education level, employment status, higher wealth quintiles, radio exposure, and recent health facility visits significantly increase the chances of choosing modern contraceptive methods. Conversely, being married correlates negatively with contraceptive use, indicating the presence of sociocultural barriers that go beyond economic factors. Originality: This study applies Grossman’s Health Demand Model to contraceptive use in Tanzania, offering a new theoretical perspective by framing contraceptive behavior as a preventive health investment. By integrating socio-economic, demographic, and informational factors, it provides fresh insights into the roles of education, wealth, media exposure, and healthcare access in shaping contraceptive choices. Practical Implications: The results highlight the importance of education and economic empowerment in promoting modern contraceptive use. Policymakers should focus on educational programs, particularly for girls and young women, to boost health literacy and reproductive autonomy.