Background: Nigeria is ranked 13th among countries with the highest fertility rates in the
world – 5.7 births per woman on average. Age specific fertility rates are as high as 121 and
225 per 1,000 for ages 15–19 and 20–24 years, respectively. Only 9.7% of currently married
women in Nigeria use modern methods of family planning (FP). This figure, however, does
not reveal important age, geographical, or educational differences in Nigeria. The overall
purpose of the study is to establish hidden demographic factors that enhance usage of modern
methods of FP.
Methods: Data for this study were obtained from four waves of the National and State Specific
HIV and AIDS, Reproductive and Child Health Survey – NARHS/SARHS (2003, 2005, 2007,
and 2011). Data were collected among men and women of reproductive age in the 36 states of
Nigeria including Federal Capital Territory (FCT). For the analysis, the study was however limited
to North West and South-South zones of Nigeria. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression was
performed using SPSS version 20.
Results: Use of modern methods of FP has increased over time with an average annual increase
of 0.47%. Different age groups, zones, and educational attainment prefer different modern
methods of FP. Of all users of modern methods of FP, long lasting methods account for just 3%
while condoms account for as high as 58%. Eighty-six percent of sexually active never married
women use condoms for FP. Women in South-South Nigeria are over three times and five times
more likely to use a modern method of FP and a condom, respectively.
Conclusion: Demographic characteristics significantly determine the patterns, trend, and use
of modern methods of FP in the studied states. Bearing in mind identified challenges associated
with short term methods, innovative ways should be identified to scale up use of long lasting
methods. The study corroborates recommendations of previous studies promoting female child
education as a way to improve use of modern methods of contraception.