Regional Correlates of Choice of Contraceptive Methods in Nigeria

Abstract

This Study examines the contraceptive use differentials among Nigerians in three regions. It also examines the factors that determine the choice of either the traditional or modern methods of contraception. The study is a national study collecting baseline information on family planning method use in Nigeria. A total of 1,540 respondents were interviewed. Results show that contraceptive knowledge and use are increasing in Nigeria. The current use of traditional methods of family planning is 30 percent while 32 percent are currently using modern contraceptives. There is also a regional differential. Of the variables tested as the possible correlates for the choice of a particular method, the result shows that age education, religion, ethnicity, region of residence, marital status, family planning approval, and media exposure are the predictors of contraceptive use in the country. Age, ethnicity region, marital status, family planning approval, media exposure are the determinants of traditional contraceptive method use while education and religion are added as the factors for the use of modern methods of contraception. The analysis also shows that different factors affect the choice of contraceptives in the three regions in Nigeria. The policy and programmatic implications of the study are discussed.