Prevalence and Factors Associated With Modern Contraceptive Use Among Orang Asli Women in Peninsular Malaysia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Evidence on modern contraceptive use among Orang Asli women is limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and factors influencing modern contraceptive use among married or cohabiting Orang Asli women of reproductive age (15-49 years). Data from 3249 Orang Asli women in the 2022 Orang Asli Health Survey (OAHS), a cross-sectional study employing a two-stage stratified random sampling design, were analyzed. Complex sample analysis with logistic regression was applied. The study found that 53.3% of Orang Asli women used modern contraceptives. Key factors significantly associated with contraceptive use included residence in remote areas (aOR=1.88; 95% CI = 1.08, 3.27), age 20-34 years (aOR = 2.43; 95% CI = 1.91, 3.09), and having three or more children (aOR = 2.17; 95% CI = 1.75, 2.70). The prevalence of modern contraceptive use among Orang Asli women exceeded Malaysia’s national average and Indigenous populations globally. Improving accessibility and affordability remains critical, particularly for Orang Asli women in urban areas, to reduce disparities.