Examining the role of significant others in shaping family planning decisions and utilization patterns among ever-married women in Nigeria.

Abstract

Nigeria has the highest population in sub-Saharan Africa and low contraceptive use, leading to high maternal and child mortality rates. The study's purpose is to examine how significantly others influence women's attitudes and decisions regarding family planning (FP). A cross-sectional study involving 2,433 ever-married women of reproductive age across Nigeria was carried out using a three-stage sampling technique. Descriptive and inferential analyses using a binary logistic regression model were used to model the impact of significant others. Support from significant others varied, with 54.6 percent receiving support from husbands and lower rates from mothers, mothers-in-law, and the community. Factors like Islam, rural living, lack of education, unemployment, and early marriage negatively impacted women's experiences, while Christianity, urban living, education, delayed marriage, and male children had positive effects. Women experiencing positive impacts were three times more likely to use FP (OR = 3.041; CI = 2.507-3.690). The study highlights the importance of advocating for gender equality in education, women's empowerment, and job access to improve family planning decisions among women. Strengthening family planning uptake in Nigeria requires engaging significant others, especially husbands and community leaders, while empowering vulnerable women through educational and culturally sensitive health interventions.