Contraceptive use and method among immigrant women in France: Relationship with socioeconomic status

Objectives We investigated the relationship between socioeconomic status and the use and method of contraception among immigrant, second-generation immigrant, and non-immigrant women in France. Methods We analysed data from the 2008-2009 survey 'Trajectories and origins: Survey on the diversity of populations in France'. A total of 7070 women aged 18 to 45 years were identified, and information concerning contraceptive use and choice was obtained by self-report. Polytomous logistic regression models were used to assess association estimates. Results Recent contraceptive use among immigrant and second-generation immigrant women was significantly lower than that of non-immigrant women. Lower educational attainment and unemployment were associated with an estimated 31̃59% reduction in odds of contraceptive use for immigrant and second-generation immigrant women; however, this was not the case for non-immigrant women. Among the latter, lower educational attainment appeared to be associated with increased use of oral contraceptives. Conclusions Our findings suggest the need to advance our understanding of potential barriers to contraceptives created by socioeconomic forces across different societal/cultural contexts.