Sexual autonomy and the use of modern contraceptives in Nigeria evidence from the 2018 demographic and health survey

ABSTRACT

Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and relationship between sexual autonomy and modern contraceptive use among Nigerian women. Methods: Secondary data analysis of the 2018 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey was conducted among Nigerian women aged 15-49 years who were married or had a partner. Analysis was conducted using descriptive analysis and univariate and multivariate logistic regression. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Participants that had never heard or seen a family planning awareness message were 59.6%, whereas 55.9% were capable of deciding whether to refuse their husband/partner's sex or not. The prevalence of modern contraceptive use was 12%, and the likelihood of using modern contraceptives increased with the level of education, wealth status, and the number of living children. Sexual autonomy was also a significant predictor of modern contraceptive use (odds ratio = 1.35, 95% confidence interval 1.25-1.46). Conclusion: There is a very low prevalence of modern contraceptive use among women in Nigeria. Sexual autonomy, poverty, education, and the number of living children play a major role. Thus, women empowerment and girl-child education are critical interventions needed for the best outcomes on contraceptive use in Africa. Male involvement in sexual autonomy is also key since they are major decisionmakers regarding women's issues.