Objectives: Contraceptive use among women of reproductive age in Nigeria is crucial for improving reproductive health. Despite global advancements, barriers related to sociodemographic, cultural, and religious factors hinder access to family planning services. This study investigates trends and determinants of contraceptive use from 2011 to 2021, focusing on regional and sociodemographic disparities. Material and Methods: Data were sourced from Nigeria’s Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys for 2011–2021. A retrospective cross-sectional analysis was performed on women of reproductive aged 15–49. Descriptive statistics assessed contraceptive prevalence. Logistic regression models evaluated associations between contraceptive use and sociodemographic factors such as age, marital status, education, wealth, and region. Results: Contraceptive use prevalence was 17.0%, with fluctuations from 19.6% in 2011 to 12.9% in 2017 and rising to 17.7% in 2021. Logistic regression revealed higher contraceptive use among older age groups (21–30 years, adjusted odds ratios AORs = 2.490), those with higher education (AOR = 1.898), and wealthier individuals (AOR = 1.650). Conversely, married individuals (AOR = 0.787) and those practicing Christianity (AOR = 0.862) or Islam (AOR = 0.490) had lower odds of use. Regionally, the South-East had the highest odds (AOR = 2.759). Conclusion: The study revealed low contraceptive use among women. Older age, higher education, and wealth are associated with higher contraceptive use, whereas marital status, religion, and regional differences pose barriers. There is a need for targeted interventions to address these challenges, particularly for younger, less educated, and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups, and to overcome cultural and religious barriers for improved reproductive health outcomes in Nigeria.
Sanni et al. (Mon,) studied this question.