Women’s desire to limit childbearing and associated factors in Tanzania: Evidence from the 2022 Demographic and Health Survey

Background High fertility rates in Tanzania significantly contribute to rapid population growth, posing challenges to the country’s socioeconomic development and straining the already burdened health system. Women’s desire to control the number of children they have influences population growth and is critical for improving maternal and child health outcomes. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of women’s desire to limit childbearing in Tanzania. Methods An Analytical cross-sectional study using secondary data from the 2022 Tanzania Demographic and Health Surveys was conducted. The study included 2,851 participants selected through a two-stage sampling method. A generalized Poisson regression model was used to determine factors associated with the desire to limit childbearing. Adjusted prevalence ratios (APRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported, and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results The prevalence of desire to limit childbearing was 20.2% (95% CI: 18.4–22.2). Women aged 25–34 years (APR = 2.90, 95%CI: 1.34–6.28) and those aged 35–49 years (APR = 7.43, 95%CI: 3.42–16.11) were more likely to have a desire to limit childbearing compared to those aged 15–24 years. Women in primary education (APR = 1.35, 95%CI: 1.08–1.69), women in rich quintile (APR = 1.26, 95%CI: 1.03–1.54), working women (APR = 1.60, 95%CI: 1.31–1.95), increase in number of children (APR = 1.26, 95%CI: 1.21–1.30) were associated with higher likelihood of desire to limit children. Conclusion Nearly one in five women in Tanzania showed a desire to limit childbearing. A multifaceted approach, including comprehensive family planning awareness and improved access to sexual and reproductive health that addresses sociodemographic and geographical disparities, would be essential.