A new study led by an international team of researchers, including DUPRI Scholar James Moody, provides some of the strongest evidence to date that women's social networks play an important role in contraceptive decision-making. Using longitudinal data from more than 2,200 adults across eight villages in rural Uganda, the researchers examined how friendships and other social relationships influence the contraceptive methods women choose over time.

Rather than simply showing that women with similar friends tend to make similar reproductive health decisions, the study used advanced social network modeling to distinguish between women selecting friends who are already similar and genuine social influence. The researchers found that women were significantly more likely to adopt a contraceptive method when others in their social network were already using that same method. The influence was particularly strong for intrauterine devices (IUDs), suggesting that conversations, advice, and shared experiences within social networks can shape contraceptive choices. These findings highlight the potential of peer-based approaches to improve reproductive health by helping women access accurate information and make informed decisions that align with their reproductive goals.

Citation

Comfort, Alison B., Sarah E. Piombo, James Moody, Charles Baguma, Bernard Kakuhikire, Esther Atukunda, Emily N. Satinsky, Mercy Juliet, E. Betty Namara, Phionah Ahereza, Cynthia C. Harper, and Alexander C. Tsai. "Social influence on women's contraceptive use: Population-based, sociocentric network study in rural Uganda." Social Science & Medicine. 399 (2026): 119145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2026.119145

Featured image: Figure adapted from Comfort AB, Piombo SE, Moody J, et al. (2026), Social Science & Medicine, CC BY 4.0.