Determinants of Contraceptive USE Among Sexually ACTIVE and Fecund Nigerian Women

Background: Despite the high level of contraceptive knowledge in Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, only 15% of all women use any form of contraception. The consequences include high Total Fertility Rate at 5.7 children per woman, high prevalence of unintended pregnancies, abortions, and maternal morbidity/mortality. Improving contraceptive use is crucial in promoting population health, and achieving the Millennium Development Goals. Methods: This study used weighted data from Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, 2008. It included 9,585 sexually active and fecund women aged 15-49 years. Univariate and bivariate analyses together with logistic regressions were performed to determine the predictors of current use of contraception, and to profile nonusers who do not intend to use contraceptives in the future (n=3398). Results: Women's age, educational level, wealth index, and number of living children are significant determinants of current contraceptive use in Nigeria. However, place of residence does not significantly determine contraceptive use. In this study, a woman's educational level is the strongest determinant of contraceptive use. The odds of using contraception among women with higher education are 7.0 times higher compared to those with no education (p<0.001). This study also shows that over half of nonusers of contraception do not intend to use in the future mainly because of oppositions to contraceptive use (41.7%). Conclusion: Family planning programs and policies targeted towards at-risk populations to improve the educational and socioeconomic status of women may be effective means of reducing opposition to use and increasing contraceptive use in Nigeria.