*3.3. Non-Linear Effect*

The current study also considered the non-linear effects from continuous variables on contraceptive use and results from the structured multivariate model are summarized in Figures 1 and 2. It is observed from Figure 1 that contraceptive use among women of reproductive age decreases with age. It can be observed from Figure 2 that contraceptive use follows an inverse U-shape, where the contraceptive use increases with the woman's age at first cohabitation, up until close to 25 years old and afterward decreasing with age.

**Figure 1.** Effects of woman's current age on the use of contraceptive methods.

**Figure 2.** Effects of woman's age at first cohabitation.
