Correlates of contraceptive use among women of reproductive age in a rural community, northwest Nigeria. – A descriptive cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals highlight the importance of family planning in improving women's lives, with targets for universal access to sexual and reproductive health (Goal 3.7) and reproductive healthcare services (Goal 5.6). Despite the effectiveness of contraceptives in child spacing and preventing unwanted pregnancies, many women do not use contraceptives, and the prevalence of contraceptive use is significantly lower in Nigeria. Exploring the factors associated with and the prevalence of contraceptive use is crucial to understanding barriers to inform lasting solutions in women's health. Objectives: This study aimed to assess contraceptive use and identify factors associated with use among women of reproductive age within the community. Methodology: The study was conducted in Mil-Goma, a rapidly developing community in Bomo Ward of Sabon Gari Local Government Council (LGA) of Kaduna State, Nigeria, using a cross-sectional descriptive study design among women of reproductive age (15-49 years). The sample was determined using the single-population formula, yielding 196. However, a total-population study was conducted, including all women of reproductive age, to improve the analysis. Data were collected via a structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire on a mobile device over four days and analysed in SPSS version 25. Results: A total of 346 eligible clients were interviewed with a mean age of 26.74±7.92 years. The predominant ethnic group was Hausa/Fulani 307 (88.7%). Most respondents were Muslim (326, 94.2%). Respondents currently using a method were 43 (12.4%), of whom 15 (34.9%) used injectable as the predominant method. Family type (polygamous and non-polygamous) is found to be associated with contraceptive use (Chi 2 = 6.900, P-value = 0.012). Conclusion: Our study found that the contraceptive prevalence rate was low, and several factors, like lack of education, unemployment, and Islamic belief, negatively influence the likelihood of using contraceptives among women in this community.