Information sources and adoption of contraceptive methods among women of childbearing age in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract Nigeria may not record success attaining any goal/ targets of the sustainable development goals (SDGs) due to declining and/ or stagnant uptake of modern family planning methods. Achieving annual contraceptive commitment remains a core component to unlock all SDGs, alongside national population objectives. To reach the targets set in the 2004 policy, Nigeria have to raise contraceptive prevalence rate by two percentage points a year—from 14.6 percent of married women ages 15–49 using any method of contraception in 2008 to 68.6 percent in 2035. Targets are not achieved on paper. Harnessing innate characteristics of communication media can help change family planning trajectory through practical insights on indigenous imitation and participatory strategies adopted by successful counties. The media if well utilized can proffer solutions to population issues in Nigeria and Africa continent. This paper investigates information source on family planning services and choice of contraceptive. Using descriptive survey research design, along with questionnaire and interview methods, a total of 400 respondents and twelve (12) in-depth interview participants participated in the study. The study finds that respondents averagely access family planning messages and know of existing family planning methods from interpersonal media sources - Health Centres and word of mouth, followed by new media. It concludes on appropriate recommendations on the strategies for the attainment of the goals of the SDGs. Keywords: Sustainable Development Goals, Family Planning, Method Sources, Preference, Adoption. About the Authors * Olujoke Funmilayo Asekere, Ph.D., is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication at Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos State. Her area of research interest includes journalism studies, media effects, health/development communication and new media. ** Rotimi Williams Olatunji, Ph.D., is a Professor of Public Relations & Advertising, and immediate past Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, Nigeria. JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 16, No. 1, April 2024, pp. 112-118 © Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON). Article Citation Asekere, O. F. & Olatunji, R. W. (2024). Information sources and adoption of contraceptive methods among women of childbearing age in Lagos, Nigeria. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 16 (1): 112-118. Full Article Words: 4,316 Pages: 7 To access full article, click on download