Women’s experiences and perceptions of the use of modern contraception: a focused ethnographic research in Nigeria

Background Family planning, also known as contraception, is a cost-effective method that allows individuals and families globally to have control over the number of children they desire and space in between. In Nigeria, contraceptive prevalence remains low. However, factors shaping contraceptive use in Nigeria, around women’s lived experiences, cultural negotiations, and informal strategies around modern contraception, remain poorly understood. Aim To explore women’s perspectives and experiences with modern contraceptive use, as well as the facilitators and barriers influencing the use of modern contraception. Method The study employed a focused ethnographic methodology developed by Roper and Shapira. Data were collected using purposive and snowball sampling through 21 in-depth interviews, two focus group discussions with 13 women, and 189 h of participant observation. Data analysis followed the approach described by Roper and Shapira. Results Three main themes were generated using the relationships and expectations and cultural empowerment domains of the PEN-3 cultural model: Perceptions, Nurturers, and Positive Factors. The findings under the theme of Perceptions revealed that women’s lack of awareness and knowledge of contraception limited access to and use of contraception. In addition, several locally accepted contraception myths increased fear and discouraged women from using contraceptives. Women also narrated unpleasant side effects of contraception as a factor that discouraged contraceptive use. Findings under the theme of Nurturers showed that religion was both a positive and a negative nurturer that encouraged and limited contraceptive use. In addition, polygamy, desire for more children, and Intergenerational cultural beliefs were found to be negative nurturers that limited women’s access to contraception. Finally, under the Positive theme, education was found to positively contribute to appropriate understanding and use of contraception. In addition, due to the challenging state of the Nigerian economy, women resort to contraceptive use to lessen the financial burden of unplanned pregnancies and children. Conclusion Contraceptive use in Nigeria is shaped by multidimensional factors, including medical, cultural, religious, and social factors. Therefore, further studies are needed to identify approaches that promote tailored interventions to improve uptake and advance the achievement of SDG 3.7.1.