Power dynamics and the use of contraceptives among couples in Nigeria

Rotimi Oladele, Federal University Oye-Ekiti
Oluwagbemiga Adeyemi, Federal University Oye-Ekiti

Previous research tends to ignore couple’s contraceptive use based on existing power dynamics at the household level. Social Dominance Theory suggests that though men dominate at the household level and influence all the decisions, these men become really invisible when it comes to contraceptive use. This study attempts to explain the impact of power dynamics on contraceptive use among couples in Nigeria. Couple’s data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey from 2003-2013 were pooled together. Data were analyzed using Chi-Square, Cramer’s V and Logistic Regression. The results showed that couple’s decision making power have a significant impact on contraceptive use in Nigeria (P<0.05). Couples who desire more than two children are less likely to use contraceptive. Women who report intimate partners’ violence are more likely to use a contraceptive. This study therefore suggests that men should be involved in family planning programs to enable increase in couples contraceptives use.