Publication:

Factors associated with contraceptive use among married women in Nigeria: evidence from the Nigeria demographic and health survey

Background Contraceptive use is a key component of reproductive health, reducing unintended pregnancies and improving maternal and child health outcomes. However, uptake remains low in Nigeria. This study examined factors associated with contraceptive use among married women in Nigeria.

Methods This study analyzed secondary data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). A total of 27,841 currently married women aged 15-49 years were included. The outcome variable was current contraceptive use (any method vs non-use). Descriptive statistics summarized respondents’ characteristics. Bivariate analyses assessed associations, while multivariable logistic regression identified individual, reproductive, partner and household-level variables associated with contraceptive use.

Results Overall, 15.4% of married women reported current contraceptive use. Higher education was strongly associated with contraceptive use (aOR=2.30, 95% CI: 1.99-2.66). Women practicing Christianity/other religions (aOR=1.70, 95% CI: 1.51-1.91) had higher odds of use compared to their Muslim counterparts. Fertility preference and gender of living children were also significant. Partner’s education and urban residence increased likelihood of contraceptive use. Women from rich households had higher likelihood of use (aOR=1.92, 95% CI: 1.69-2.19), while those in the South-South region (aOR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.52-0.69) had lower odds.

Conclusions Contraceptive use among married women in Nigeria remains low and is associated with socio-demographic, reproductive, partner-related and household factors. Targeted interventions addressing female education, promoting male involvement and inequities in access may improve contraceptive uptake and reproductive health outcomes.