Understanding the level, trend, geographical variations and determinants
of use of modern family planning (FP) plays a major role in designing
effective interventions leading to increased usage. This study assessed these
characteristics of FP use in Nigeria using data from the 2003, 2005 and 2007
National HIV/AIDS and Reproductive Health Survey, a national populationbased
household survey. A Bayesian geo-additive procedure was used, which
provides flexible modelling of non-linear and spatial effects at a highly disaggregated
level of states. The findings reveal considerable geographical variation
in the use of modern FP in Nigeria, with a distinct north–south divide.
Furthermore, a significant trend in the use of modern FP was evident, with
an increase between 2003 and 2005 followed by a decline between 2005 and
2007. The effect of respondent’s age was non-linear, and use of modern FP
was found to differ significantly between never-married and currently/formerly
married respondents. Awareness of FP methods and knowledge of where to
get/buy FP services/methods were found to be significantly associated with
usage. The findings provide policymakers with tools to prioritize the use of
scarce resources for implementing FP and reproductive health interventions.