Publication:

Partner characteristics, fertility preferences and contraceptive use among married women in Nigeria

Background Contraceptive use remains low in Nigeria, and decisions regarding family planning are often influenced by partner dynamics and fertility preferences. Understanding how these factors shape contraceptive behavior is essential for designing effective interventions.

Methods This study used data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), including 27,841 currently married women aged 15-49 years. The outcome variable was current contraceptive use (any method vs non-use). Descriptive statistics summarized respondents’ characteristics. Bivariate analysis assessed associations between partner characteristics, fertility preferences, and contraceptive use. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with contraceptive use, adjusting for socio-demographic and household variables.

Results Contraceptive use among married women was low. Women whose partners had higher levels of education were more likely to use contraceptives. Partner fertility preference was a strong predictor; contraceptive use increased when partners desired fewer children. Women who had achieved their desired family size or had more children than desired had higher odds of contraceptive use. Similarly, the number and sex composition of living children were associated with contraceptive behaviour. Women not living with their partners had lower likelihood of contraceptive use. These associations remained significant after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusions Partner characteristics and fertility preferences play a critical role in shaping contraceptive use in Nigeria. Interventions aimed at increasing contraceptive uptake should incorporate male involvement and address couple-level decision-making dynamics, alongside improving access to services.