Factors Associated with Men's Fertility Intentions and Family Planning Practice in Kebbi State, North-western Nigeria

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify the socio-demographic determinants of men’s fertility intentions (desired number of children) and use of contraceptives in Kebbi State, north-western Nigeria. Data was collected from 583 married men from rural and urban areas in three local government areas of the State using interviewer-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were used to estimate and understand the influence of socio-demographic factors on men’s fertility intentions and use of contraceptives. The result reveals that men in Kebbi State have high desire for children with an overwhelming 84% desiring to have six or more children. Contraceptive knowledge is high with 66% of respondents being aware of any method but the use of contraceptives is very low with only 30% that have ever used any method. Age, education, religion and ethnicity were all significantly associated (p-value < 0.05) with men’s fertility intentions and awareness and use of contraceptives. Government and policymakers that are working to reduce the high fertility rate and to improve contraceptive use in Nigeria, especially in the northern region, should consider men as critical stakeholders and should be included in programmes towards slowing down the rate of fertility and increasing family planning adoption in the country