Appraisal of Practice and Some Socio-Economic Factors on the Utilization of Family Planning Methods in Nigeria

Background: Family planning has the potential to minimize maternal mortality by lowering the number of unplanned pregnancies, and abortions. This study assesses the practice across different zones in Nigeria.

Aim: With a view to identify deterrence factors, the research is aimed at appraising the practice in some selected localities in the country

Method: A structured questionnaire was designed and used to collect relevant information from respondents in a state from each of the six geo-political zones in Nigeria. Hierarchical sampling technique is used to select a locality in each of the six geopolitical zones in the states that were studied. Logistic regression is used to assess effect of bivariate response variables on the covariates.

Results: More than 90% of respondents are aware of different family planning methods but only 26.2% have utilized contraception. Personal opposition was found to be the most frequent reason for non-utilization of family planning in the six geo-political zones. The oddsof utilization is highest in the North-Central and least in the South-East. North-Central is more than four times more likely to utilize contraceptives when compared with those from the South-West. Wealthy people who mostly reside in urban centers are also found to be more knowledgeable and utilize contraception more. As educational attainment increases, both utilization of contraception and knowledge of family planning methods also increase.