Initiating the family planning conversation in urban Nigeria: A difficult task for women

The objective of this qualitative study was to understand key factors influencing the use of family planning use in urban Nigeria. Nigerian women average nearly six children over the course of their lifetime and the national population – already the largest in Africa – is expected to double within 25 years. The high level of fertility is a function of both low demand for and use of contraceptive methods – only 10% of married women use a modern contraceptive. A total of 26 focus group discussions were conducted in September and October 2010. The groups were stratified by sex, age, marital status, SES, family planning use, and city. The data were coded using ATLAS.ti 6 software and analyzed using the thematic content analysis approach. Prior to using family planning a woman must consult her husband about the idea. This is not easy for the woman – she must be adequately prepared with knowledge about family planning from an outside source, she must pamper her husband, and only broach the subject with him when he is in a good mood. If he doesn't agree to use family planning, which can be a direct reflection of her failed approach, she has no choice but to follow his orders. The study findings point to a potential route for increasing family planning use by providing women with training and communication aids to address this subject with their husbands to ensure successful initiation of the subject, discussion, and outcome.