Contraceptive knowledge and use among women living in the poorest areas of five Mesoamerican countries

Abstract Objective To identify factors associated with contraceptive use among women in need living in the poorest areas in five Mesoamerican countries: Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama and State of Chiapas (Mexico). Study design We analyzed baseline data of 7049 women of childbearing age (15–49 years old) collected for the Salud Mesoamérica Initiative . Data collection took place in the 20% poorest municipalities of each country (July, 2012-August, 2013). Results Women in the poorest areas were very poorly informed about family planning methods. Concern about side effects was the main reason for nonuse. Contraceptive use was lower among the extremely poor (