Testing communication variables among married couples and contraceptive use in Nigeria

Moyosola A. Bamidele, JHU/CCP Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative
Akinsewa Akiode, JHU/CCP Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative
Douglas Storey, Johns Hopkins Center for Communication Programs
Mojisola Odeku, JHU/CCP Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative
Adefioye Olumide, JHU/CCP Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative
Khyfayah Adeola Jiddah, JHU/CCP Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative

In most cultures, men have a focal role in decision-making regarding sexual relations and contraceptive use. The study examined the effect of some communication variables among married couples and contraceptive use in Nigeria. A sample of 800 women were taken and four communication variables were tested: whether couples had ever discussed family planning (FP), whether they had discussed it in the past 12 months and; whether women believed their spouse approved of FP. Findings show that women with intention to use FP has a significant odds of discussing FP with their spouse (95%, OR= 1.6–2.2) and those who communicated with their spouse had high odds of using FP (95%, OR= 7.2-9.3). Women who believed their spouse has a prior knowledge of FP have significant odds of discussing it (95%, OR=5.4-7.1). The study also evidenced that spousal communication was associated with subsequent FP use. Our findings have implications for family planning communication programs.