PLOS Global Public Health
Abstract
This study uses survey data from 1,008 women aged 18–35 in Northern Uganda to document awareness and use of home pregnancy tests and barriers to obtaining them. In the sample, 65% had heard of home tests and 29% had used one. Awareness was more common among women with higher education and wealth, salaried work, and closer proximity to a health facility. Among women who knew about the tests, many reported that they would need to ask a partner for money; some said they would hide a purchase, and nearly one third expected their partner not to support it. Lack of support was associated with women’s age, prior pregnancies, employment, fertility preferences, and differences between partners’ desired family size. These patterns highlight how financial access and household decision-making may shape use.