Objectives: We examined the role of community-level factors in explaining geographic variations in modern contraceptive use in 6 African countries.
Methods: We analyzed Demographic and Health Survey and contextual data sources with multilevel modeling techniques to identify factors contributing to geographic variations in women's use of modern contraceptives.
Results: We found significant associations between several community-level factors and reported use of modern contraceptive methods. We also identified several pathways of influence between the community and the individual.
Conclusions: Aspects of a community's sociocultural and economic environment appear to influence a woman's use of modern contraceptive methods.