Couple Asymmetries and Modern Contraceptive Use among Young Married Women in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria is faced with high fertility, maternal and child mortality, and a rapid population growth rate. The uptake of modern methods of contraception is crucial to reduce the high fertility rate, halt population growth, lessen child mortality, and enhance maternal health. This study assessed partners' socio-economic and demographic asymmetries as barriers to modern contraceptive use among young married women in Nigeria. This study used data for 5,772 young married women aged 15-34 years from the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey 2018. Frequency distributions and binomial logistic regression were carried out using STATA v12. Findings show that 20.4% of young married women use modern contraceptives. Respondents whose partners desire more children were less likely to use modern contraceptives (AOR= 0.712, CI 0.603-0.840). Also, contraceptive use is less likely when the respondent's partner is more educated than the respondent compared to if both have the same level of education (AOR= 0.721, CI 0.607-0.857). Differences in partners' fertility desires and educational status are associated with the use of modern contraceptives among married women aged 15-34 years in Nigeria.