Abstract
Background
Young adult women represent a critical population in reproductive health due to their heightened risk of unintended pregnancy and limited socioeconomic opportunities. Contraceptive intention is a key determinant of future contraceptive use; however, limited evidence exists on the factors influencing contraceptive intention among young adult women in Nigeria. This study therefore examined the sociodemographic determinants of contraceptive intention among young adult women in Nigeria, with particular attention to age at first sex and region of residence.
Methods
This cross-sectional study used data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). A total of 14,210 women aged 15–24 years who reported their contraceptive intention were included, while current contraceptive users were excluded because the analysis focused specifically on contraceptive intention among women who were not currently using any contraceptive method. Descriptive statistics summarized sample characteristics, while bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses identified determinants of contraceptive intention. Results were presented as crude and adjusted odds ratios (CORs and AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results
The prevalence of contraceptive intention among young adult women in Nigeria was 47%. Education showed a strong positive association, as women with tertiary education were more than three times as likely to intend to use contraception compared to those with no education (AOR = 3.51; 95% CI: 2.81–4.40; p < 0.001). Married women (AOR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.54–0.74; p < 0.001) and Muslim women (AOR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.45–0.60; p < 0.001) had significantly lower odds of intending to use contraception. Wealth status showed a positive gradient, while later sexual debut (≥ 20 years) was associated with higher intention (AOR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.05–1.73; p = 0.02). Regional differences persisted: women in the North West had higher odds (AOR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.39–1.83; p < 0.001), while those in the South East, South South, and South West had lower odds of contraceptive intention.
Conclusion
Education, marital status, religion, wealth, age at first sex, and regional context are key determinants of contraceptive intention among young adult women in Nigeria. Addressing disparities through youth-centered and culturally sensitive family planning interventions that promote education, reproductive health awareness, and economic empowerment could improve contraceptive uptake and reduce unintended pregnancies. However, the cross-sectional nature of the data limits causal interpretation of the observed associations.
Keywords: Contraceptive intention, Family planning, Young women, Nigeria, Sociodemographic factors, Age at first sex, Regional disparities, Reproductive health
Background
Contraceptive use is a fundamental aspect of reproductive health, directly influencing maternal and child health outcomes, fertility rates, and women’s socioeconomic well-being [1]. Access to and utilization of family planning services empower women to make informed reproductive choices, reducing unintended pregnancies and their associated health risks [2, 3]. Despite significant global progress in contraceptive use, many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including Nigeria, continue to experience high levels of unmet contraceptive need. This refers to the gap between women’s intention to avoid pregnancy and their actual use of contraception, particularly among young women [4–6]. While much attention has been directed toward contraceptive use itself, understanding a woman’s intention to use contraception provides critical insight into her readiness and likelihood to adopt a method in the near future [7]. However, empirical evidence on contraceptive intention among young adult women in Nigeria remains limited, with most existing studies focusing primarily on contraceptive use rather than future intention.
Among the various demographics, young adult women (15–24 years) face unique challenges in reproductive health. This group is at increased risk of unintended pregnancies, early childbearing, and limited educational and economic opportunities, which can perpetuate cycles of poverty and poor health outcomes [8]. However, contraceptive uptake among this age group remains low due to sociocultural norms, religious beliefs, access barriers, and misconceptions about contraceptive methods [9, 10]. This age group represents a crucial transitional phase where reproductive intentions and behaviors are shaped, making it essential to understand factors influencing contraceptive intention as a precursor to actual use. According to behavioral models such as the Theory of Planned Behavior, intention is a key determinant of behavior and is influenced by knowledge, attitudes, and perceived social norms [11, 12]. In addition, the timing of sexual debut may influence reproductive decision-making, as earlier sexual initiation has been associated with differences in fertility preferences, contraceptive awareness, and exposure to reproductive health information. Therefore, age at first sex may play an important role in shaping contraceptive intention among young women.
Nigeria exhibits significant regional and sociodemographic variations in contraceptive use. Studies have consistently shown lower contraceptive prevalence in the northern regions, which are predominantly Muslim and more conservative regarding reproductive health decisions [6, 13, 14]. Despite nationwide family planning efforts, young women in these areas continue to face cultural and structural barriers to accessing and intending to use modern contraceptives. However, most studies do not account for age-specific contraceptive intention. Given that northern women tend to marry earlier and initiate sex later within marriage compared to their southern counterparts, age at first sexual intercourse may be a crucial factor influencing regional disparities in contraceptive intention [13, 15, 16]. Examining regional differences is therefore important because Nigeria’s geopolitical zones differ substantially in terms of cultural norms, religious composition, socioeconomic conditions, and access to reproductive health services, all of which may influence contraceptive attitudes and intentions.
While previous research has extensively examined contraceptive use in Nigeria, limited studies have specifically focused on contraceptive intention among young adult women. Understanding the sociodemographic determinants of contraceptive intention can inform youth-centered family planning strategies, ensuring that interventions address key barriers and facilitators of contraceptive uptake. Building on previous studies that have focused primarily on contraceptive use, this study specifically examines the sociodemographic determinants of contraceptive intention among young adult women aged 15–24 years in Nigeria, with particular attention to age at first sex and region of residence. Findings from this study will provide evidence to guide targeted reproductive health interventions and support policies that promote equitable access to contraception across regions.
Methods
Study design and data source
This study utilized a cross-sectional design based on data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). The NDHS is a nationally representative survey that collects comprehensive demographic and health-related data from women of reproductive age (15–49 years) using a multistage sampling approach. The survey is implemented by the National Population Commission (NPC) in collaboration with ICF International and follows standardized methodologies to ensure data reliability and comparability. This study specifically utilized the Individual Recode (IR) dataset, which provides detailed information on women’s reproductive health indicators.
Study population and sampling
The study population comprised women aged 15–24 years who participated in the 2018 NDHS and reported their contraceptive use intention. Women who were currently using any contraceptive method were excluded because the analysis focused specifically on contraceptive intention among non-users. The final analytical sample consisted of 14,210 respondents after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Survey sampling weights were applied to account for the complex survey design and ensure national representativeness.
Ethical considerations
Ethical approval for the original NDHS survey was granted by the National Health Research Ethics Committee of Nigeria (NHREC) and the ICF Institutional Review Board. Informed consent was obtained from all participants before data collection. Because this study involved secondary analysis of publicly available anonymized NDHS data, no additional ethical approval was required.
Study variables
Outcome variable
The primary outcome variable was contraceptive intention. Initially, this was categorized into four groups: modern method users, traditional method users, future-intending non-users, and non-intending non-users. For this analysis, we focused solely on future intention, creating a binary variable. Individuals intending to use contraception in the future were coded as “1,” and those not intending were coded as “0.” Women who were currently using any contraceptive method were excluded from the analysis to ensure the outcome reflected intention among non-users.
Explanatory variables
The primary predictors of interest were age at first sex and region of residence. Other sociodemographic variables, including age group, education level, marital status, religion, wealth index, and place of residence (urban vs. rural), were included in the analysis as covariates. These variables were derived from standardized NDHS recoded variables and categorized based on established DHS classifications. These variables were selected based on their theoretical and empirical relevance to contraceptive decision-making as reported in previous studies on reproductive health behaviour [7, 17].
Statistical analysis
The study population’s characteristics were summarized using descriptive statistics. To examine the association between sociodemographic factors and contraceptive intention, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Odds ratios (ORs), including crude (CORs) and adjusted (AORs), along with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were calculated. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for age group, education level, marital status, religion, wealth index, age at first sex, place of residence, and region of residence. Multicollinearity among predictor variables was assessed using the Variance Inflation Factor (VIF), and no evidence of problematic multicollinearity was observed. To account for the study’s complex survey design, sampling weights were applied using Stata 17’s ‘svy’ command. Regional variations in contraceptive intention were visually represented using a geographical map generated with Python’s GeoPandas library, utilizing Natural Earth vector map data of Nigeria.
Results
Sociodemographic characteristics
A total of 14,210 young adult women aged 15–24 years were included in the analysis (Table 1). The majority (57.67%) were aged 15–19 years, while 42.33% were aged 20–24 years. More than half (52.96%) had attained secondary education, while 30.24% had no formal education. Regarding marital status, 57.99% had never been in a union, and 40.46% were married. The predominant religion was Islam (59.95%), followed by Christianity (39.56%). The wealth index distribution showed that 39.52% of the respondents belonged to the lowest two wealth quintiles (poorest and poorer). Approximately 43.32% resided in urban areas, while 56.68% were in rural areas. Regarding sexual debut, 11.70% had their first sexual encounter before the age of 15 years, 39.28% between 15 and 19 years, and 3.80% at 20 years or older. Regionally, the North West had the highest representation (34.00%), followed by the North East (18.00%) and North Central (14.62%), whereas the South East and South South had the lowest proportions (9.92% and 9.44%, respectively). Table 1 presents the detailed distribution of respondents across all sociodemographic variables included in the analysis.
Table 1.
Sociodemographic characteristics of young adult women aged 15–24 years in Nigeria
| Variable | Category | Weighted Freq. | Percent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age Group | |||
| 15–19 | 8,194 | 57.67% | |
| 20–24 | 6,016 | 42.33% | |
| Educational Level | |||
| No Education | 4,297 | 30.24% | |
| Primary | 1,500 | 10.56% | |
| Secondary | 7,526 | 52.96% | |
| Higher | 887 | 6.24% | |
| Marital Status | |||
| Never in Union | 8,240 | 57.99% | |
| Married | 5,750 | 40.46% | |
| Widowed | 21 | 0.15% | |
| Divorced/Separated | 198 | 1.40% | |
| Religion | |||
| Christianity | 5,621 | 39.56% | |
| Islam | 8,519 | 59.95% | |
| Others | 71 | 0.50% | |
| Wealth Index | |||
| Poorest | 2,564 | 18.04% | |
| Poorer | 3,053 | 21.48% | |
| Middle | 2,886 | 20.31% | |
| Richer | 2,986 | 21.01% | |
| Richest | 2,721 | 19.15% | |
| Age at First Sex | |||
| < 15 years | 1,663 | 11.70% | |
| 15–19 | 5,582 | 39.28% | |
| 20 + | 540 | 3.80% | |
| Residence | |||
| Urban | 6,156 | 43.32% | |
| Rural | 8,054 | 56.68% | |
| Total | 14,210 | 100.00% | |
| Region | |||
| North Central | 2,077 | 14.62% | |
| North East | 2,558 | 18.00% | |
| North West | 4,831 | 34.00% | |
| South East | 1,409 | 9.92% | |
| South South | 1,342 | 9.44% | |
| South West | 1,993 | 14.02% |
Prevalence and regional disparities in contraceptive intention
The overall prevalence of contraceptive intention among young adult women in Nigeria was 47%, while 53% of respondents reported no intention to use contraception (Fig. 1). There were notable regional variations in contraceptive intention (Figs. 2 and 3). The South East recorded the highest prevalence of contraceptive intention (53%), followed closely by the North Central (52%) and South West (52%). Conversely, the North East had the lowest contraceptive intention (40%), followed by the South South and North West, both at 45%.
Fig. 1.
Prevalence of contraceptive intention among young adult women (15–24 Years) in Nigeria
Fig. 2.
Regional variation in contraceptive intention among young adult women in Nigeria
Fig. 3.
Geographic distribution of contraceptive intention among young adult women across Nigeria’s Regions
Age at first sex and contraceptive intention
Contraceptive intention varied significantly by the age at which women had their first sexual experience (Fig. 4). Women who had their first sexual encounter at 20 years or older demonstrated the highest contraceptive intention (62%), while those who initiated sexual activity between 15 and 19 years had a lower contraceptive intention (45%). The lowest contraceptive intention (35%) was observed among women who had their first sexual experience before age 15 years.
Fig. 4.
Contraceptive intention by age at first sexual intercourse
Determinants of contraceptive intention among young adult women
Bivariate analysis (unadjusted associations)
The bivariate analysis demonstrated significant associations between contraceptive intention and several sociodemographic factors (Table 2). Education level was a strong predictor of contraceptive intention, with a higher likelihood of intention among women with increased educational attainment. Compared to those with no formal education, women with primary education had 1.77 times higher odds of intending to use contraception (COR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.53–2.05, p < 0.001), while those with secondary education had 2.84 times higher odds (COR: 2.84, 95% CI: 2.58–3.13, p < 0.001). The highest likelihood of contraceptive intention was observed among women with higher education, who were over five times more likely to intend to use contraception compared to those with no education (COR: 5.21, 95% CI: 4.34–6.26, p < 0.001).
Table 2.
Bivariate logistic regression analysis of factors associated with contraceptive intention among young adult women in Nigeria
| Variable | No Intent | Intent | COR [95% C.I] | p-value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edu Level | ||||
| No Education (Ref) | 3,012 (70.10%) | 1,285 (29.90%) | 1 | |
| Primary | 854 (56.93%) | 646 (43.07%) | 1.77 [1.53, 2.05] | < 0.001 |
| Secondary | 3,400 (45.18%) | 4,126 (54.82%) | 2.84 [2.58, 3.13] | < 0.001 |
| Higher | 275 (31.03%) | 612 (68.97%) | 5.21 [4.34, 6.26] | < 0.001 |
| Marital Status | ||||
| Never Married (Ref) | 3,899 (47.31%) | 4,342 (52.69%) | 1 | |
| Married | 3,530 (61.39%) | 2,220 (38.61%) | 0.56 [0.52, 0.61] | < 0.001 |
| Widowed | 9 (42.72%) | 12 (57.28%) | 1.20 [0.42, 3.42] | 0.728 |
| Divorced/Separated | 104 (52.31%) | 95 (47.69%) | 0.82 [0.59, 1.13] | 0.227 |
| Religion | ||||
| Christianity (Ref) | 2,490 (44.30%) | 3,131 (55.70%) | 1 | |
| Islam | 4,998 (58.67%) | 3,520 (41.33%) | 0.56 [0.52, 0.61] | < 0.001 |
| Others | 53 (75.72%) | 17 (24.28%) | 0.26 [0.15, 0.43] | < 0.001 |
| Wealth Index | ||||
| Poorest (Ref) | 1,756 (68.47%) | 808 (31.53%) | 1 | |
| Poorer | 1,828 (59.88%) | 1,225 (40.12%) | 1.45 [1.29, 1.64] | < 0.001 |
| Middle | 1,452 (50.30%) | 1,434 (49.70%) | 2.15 [1.90, 2.43] | < 0.001 |
| Richer | 1,374 (46.03%) | 1,612 (53.97%) | 2.55 [2.23, 2.91] | < 0.001 |
| Richest | 1,132 (41.59%) | 1,590 (58.41%) | 3.05 [2.66, 3.50] | < 0.001 |
| Age at first sex | ||||
| < 15 (Ref) | 1,074 (64.64%) | 588 (35.36%) | 1 | |
| 15–19 | 3,051 (54.68%) | 2,528 (45.32%) | 1.52 [1.33, 1.73] | < 0.001 |
| 20+ | 205 (37.92%) | 335 (62.08%) | 2.99 [2.39, 3.75] | < 0.001 |
| Residence | ||||
| Urban (Ref) | 2,776 (45.09%) | 3,380 (54.91%) | 1 | |
| Rural | 4,766 (59.17%) | 3,288 (40.83%) | 0.57 [0.52, 0.62] | < 0.001 |
| Region | ||||
| North Central (Ref) | 1,007 (48.49%) | 1,070 (51.51%) | 1 | |
| North East | 1,540 (60.22%) | 1,018 (39.78%) | 0.62 [0.55, 0.70] | < 0.001 |
| North West | 2,635 (54.55%) | 2,196 (45.45%) | 0.78 [0.70, 0.88] | < 0.001 |
| South East | 656 (46.52%) | 754 (53.48%) | 1.08 [0.94, 1.25] | 0.27 |
| South South | 737 (54.94%) | 605 (45.06%) | 0.77 [0.67, 0.90] | 0.001 |
| South West | 966 (48.47%) | 1,027 (51.53%) | 1.00 [0.85, 1.18] | 0.991 |
Abbreviations: COR = Crude Odds Ratio; AOR = Adjusted Odds Ratio; CI = Confidence Interval; Ref = Reference Category
Marital status was also significantly associated with contraceptive intention. Compared to never-married women, married women were significantly less likely to intend to use contraception (COR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.52–0.61, p < 0.001). Religious affiliation influenced contraceptive intention, with Muslim women showing significantly lower odds of intending to use contraception compared to Christian women (COR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.52–0.61, p < 0.001). Women affiliated with other religious groups had the lowest likelihood of contraceptive intention (COR: 0.26, 95% CI: 0.15–0.43, p < 0.001).
Economic status, as measured by the wealth index, showed a strong positive association with contraceptive intention. Women in the richest wealth quintile were three times more likely to intend to use contraception than those in the poorest quintile (COR: 3.05, 95% CI: 2.66–3.50, p < 0.001). A similar trend was observed across other wealth categories, with an increasing likelihood of contraceptive intention as wealth increased.
Age at first sexual intercourse also demonstrated a significant association with contraceptive intention. Women who had their first sexual encounter between ages 15–19 were 1.52 times more likely to intend to use contraception compared to those who initiated sexual activity before age 15 (COR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.33–1.73, p < 0.001). The highest odds of contraceptive intention were observed among women who had their first sexual experience at age 20 or older (COR: 2.99, 95% CI: 2.39–3.75, p < 0.001).
Residence significantly influenced contraceptive intention, with rural women being less likely to intend to use contraception than their urban counterparts (COR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.52–0.62, p < 0.001).
Regional disparities were evident in contraceptive intention. Compared to women in North Central, those in North East (COR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.55–0.70, p < 0.001) and North West (COR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.70–0.88, p < 0.001) were significantly less likely to intend to use contraception. However, no significant differences were observed among women in the South East (COR: 1.08, 95% CI: 0.94–1.25, p = 0.27) and South West (COR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.85–1.18, p = 0.991). Women in the South South region were significantly less likely to intend to use contraception compared to those in North Central (COR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.67–0.90, p = 0.001).
-
(b)
Multivariable analysis (adjusted associations)
After adjusting for potential confounders (Table 3), education remained a significant predictor of contraceptive intention. Compared to women with no education, those with primary education had 1.62 times higher odds of intending to use contraception (AOR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.38–1.89, p<0.001), while those with secondary education had 2.32 times higher odds (AOR: 2.32, 95% CI: 2.02–2.66, p<0.001). Women with higher education had the greatest likelihood of intending to use contraception, with 3.51 times higher odds compared to those with no education (AOR: 3.51, 95% CI: 2.81–4.40, p<0.001).
Table 3.
Multivariable logistic regression analysis of determinants of contraceptive intention among young adult women in Nigeria
| Variable | No Intent | Intent | AOR [95% C.I] | P-value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Education level | ||||
| no education (ref.) | 3,012 (70.10%) | 1,285 (29.90%) | 1 | |
| primary | 854 (56.93%) | 646 (43.07%) | 1.62 [1.38, 1.89] | < 0.001 |
| secondary | 3,400 (45.18%) | 4,126 (54.82%) | 2.32 [2.02, 2.66] | < 0.001 |
| higher | 275 (31.03%) | 612 (68.97%) | 3.51 [2.81, 4.40] | < 0.001 |
| Marital status | ||||
| never married (ref.) | 3,899 (47.31%) | 4,342 (52.69%) | 1 | |
| married | 3,530 (61.39%) | 2,220 (38.61%) | 0.63 [0.54, 0.74] | < 0.001 |
| widowed | 9 (42.72%) | 12 (57.28%) | 1.67 [0.64, 4.35] | 0.296 |
| divorced/separated | 104 (52.31%) | 95 (47.69%) | 0.78 [0.54, 1.12] | 0.174 |
| Religion | ||||
| Christianity (ref.) | 2,490 (44.30%) | 3,131 (55.70%) | 1 | |
| Islam | 4,998 (58.67%) | 3,520 (41.33%) | 0.52 [0.45, 0.60] | < 0.001 |
| Others | 53 (75.72%) | 17 (24.28%) | 0.38 [0.22, 0.64] | < 0.001 |
| Wealth index | ||||
| poorest (ref.) | 1,756 (68.47%) | 808 (31.53%) | 1 | |
| poorer | 1,828 (59.88%) | 1,225 (40.12%) | 1.14 [1.00, 1.30] | < 0.05 |
| middle | 1,452 (50.30%) | 1,434 (49.70%) | 1.41 [1.22, 1.63] | < 0.001 |
| richer | 1,374 (46.03%) | 1,612 (53.97%) | 1.52 [1.30, 1.78] | < 0.001 |
| richest | 1,132 (41.59%) | 1,590 (58.41%) | 1.63 [1.36, 1.97] | < 0.001 |
| Age at first sex | ||||
| < 15 (ref.) | 1,074 (64.64%) | 588 (35.36%) | 1 | |
| 15–19 | 3,051 (54.68%) | 2,528 (45.32%) | 1.18 [1.02, 1.35] | < 0.05 |
| 20 + | 205 (37.92%) | 335 (62.08%) | 1.35 [1.05, 1.73] | < 0.05 |
| Residence | ||||
| urban (ref.) | 2,776 (45.09%) | 3,380 (54.91%) | 1 | |
| rural | 4,766 (59.17%) | 3,288 (40.83%) | 0.81 [0.74, 0.90] | < 0.001 |
| Region | ||||
| north central (ref.) | 1,007 (48.49%) | 1,070 (51.51%) | 1 | |
| north east | 1,540 (60.22%) | 1,018 (39.78%) | 1.14 [0.99, 1.31] | 0.07 |
| north west | 2,635 (54.55%) | 2,196 (45.45%) | 1.59 [1.39, 1.83] | < 0.001 |
| south east | 656 (46.52%) | 754 (53.48%) | 0.55 [0.47, 0.65] | < 0.001 |
| south south | 737 (54.94%) | 605 (45.06%) | 0.39 [0.33, 0.46] | < 0.001 |
| south west | 966 (48.47%) | 1,027 (51.53%) | 0.61 [0.51, 0.73] | < 0.001 |
Abbreviations: COR = Crude Odds Ratio; AOR = Adjusted Odds Ratio; CI = Confidence Interval; Ref = Reference Category
Marital status remained a significant determinant of contraceptive intention. Married women had significantly lower odds of intending to use contraception than never-married women (AOR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.54–0.74, p<0.001).
Religious affiliation continued to play a significant role in contraceptive intention. Muslim women were 48% less likely to intend to use contraception compared to Christian women (AOR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.45–0.60, p<0.001). Women affiliated with other religious groups had the lowest likelihood of contraceptive intention (AOR: 0.38, 95% CI: 0.22–0.64, p<0.001).
Wealth status continued to exhibit a strong association with contraceptive intention in the adjusted model. Women in the richest wealth quintile had 1.63 times higher odds of intending to use contraception compared to those in the poorest quintile (AOR: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.36–1.97, p<0.001). A gradient of increasing contraceptive intention was observed across wealth categories, with progressively higher odds among wealthier women.
Age at first sexual intercourse remained a significant factor in the adjusted model. Women who had their first sexual experience between ages 15–19 had 1.18 times higher odds of intending to use contraception compared to those who had sex before age 15 (AOR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02–1.35, p<0.05). Women who initiated sexual activity at age 20 or older had the highest odds of intending to use contraception (AOR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.05–1.73, p<0.05).
Rural residence was associated with a lower likelihood of contraceptive intention compared to urban residence (AOR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.74–0.90, p<0.001).
Regional disparities in contraceptive intention persisted after adjustment. Notably, women residing in the North West exhibited a significantly higher likelihood of intending to use contraception compared to those in the North Central region (AOR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.39–1.83, p < 0.001). In contrast, women in the South East (AOR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.47–0.65, p < 0.001), South South (AOR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.33–0.46, p < 0.001), and South West (AOR: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.51–0.73, p < 0.001) were significantly less likely to intend to use contraception.
Discussion
This study examined the sociodemographic determinants of contraceptive intention among young adult women in Nigeria. The findings indicate that education, wealth status, age at first sex, and regional context significantly influence contraceptive intention, while married women, Muslim women, and rural residents exhibited lower likelihood of intending to use contraception. By focusing specifically on women aged 15–24 years, the study contributes to the limited body of evidence on contraceptive intention among young women in Nigeria and highlights important socioeconomic and cultural factors that may shape reproductive decision-making in this population [13, 16].
Higher educational attainment was strongly associated with increased contraceptive intention. Women with secondary or higher education demonstrated significantly higher odds of intending to use contraception compared to those with no education. Education plays a crucial role in enhancing reproductive health literacy, challenging misconceptions about contraception, and fostering women’s autonomy in reproductive decision-making [17, 18]. These findings align with previous studies highlighting the role of education in reducing adolescent pregnancies and improving long-term reproductive health outcomes [19–22]. Similar associations between higher educational attainment and contraceptive intention or use have been reported across several Sub-Saharan African settings where education increases access to reproductive health information and strengthens women’s decision-making autonomy [17, 18, 23].
Marital status emerged as a significant predictor of contraceptive intention, with married women being less likely to intend to use contraception compared to never-married women. This finding corroborates prior research suggesting that childbearing expectations within marriage, spousal approval, and sociocultural norms surrounding fertility preferences influence contraceptive behaviours [24–26]. Many married women, particularly in settings where high fertility is culturally valued, may perceive contraception as unnecessary or encounter opposition from their partners [27]. Additionally, young married women may face expectations to demonstrate fertility shortly after marriage, which can reduce the likelihood of expressing contraceptive intention during the early years of union formation [24, 27].
Religious affiliation significantly influenced contraceptive intention. Muslim women exhibited lower contraceptive intention compared to Christian women, consistent with earlier studies linking religious beliefs to family planning decisions [13, 15, 28]. In some contexts, religious interpretations and community norms may influence attitudes toward contraception and fertility preferences [28, 29]. Religious leaders play a pivotal role in shaping reproductive behaviors, underscoring the importance of faith-based family planning advocacy in enhancing contraceptive uptake within religious communities [17, 29].
Economic status, as measured by the wealth index, was positively associated with contraceptive intention. Women in the richest wealth quintile had significantly higher odds of intending to use contraception compared to those in the poorest quintile. This suggests that financial barriers remain a key determinant of contraceptive access and intention. Wealthier women may have greater exposure to family planning services, media campaigns, and reproductive health education, all of which promote positive attitudes toward contraception [23]. Conversely, women in lower wealth categories may face challenges related to cost, service availability, and competing economic priorities that impede contraceptive use. This socioeconomic gradient has also been documented in several low- and middle-income countries where household wealth significantly influences access to reproductive health services [23].
Age at first sex was another significant determinant of contraceptive intention. Women who had their first sexual experience at age 20 or older were more likely to intend to use contraception compared to those who initiated sexual activity before age 15. Early sexual debut has been associated with higher adolescent fertility rates, increased risk of sexually transmitted infections, and lower contraceptive uptake [30, 31]. Previous research among Nigerian adolescents and young adults has similarly demonstrated that the timing of sexual debut significantly influences contraceptive behaviour and reproductive decision-making [32, 33]. Conversely, women who delay sexual initiation may have greater reproductive health awareness and a stronger inclination toward family planning. Delaying sexual debut has also been associated with improved reproductive health knowledge and greater engagement with education, which can positively influence contraceptive decision-making [34, 35].
Beyond the individual sociodemographic factors, this study highlighted significant regional disparities in contraceptive intention. Notably, women residing in the North West exhibited a significantly higher likelihood of intending to use contraception compared to those in the North Central region. This finding contrasts with the descriptive prevalence estimates and may reflect the influence of sociodemographic factors such as education, wealth, marital status, and age at first sex that were controlled for in the multivariable analysis [36, 37]. Conversely, women in the South East, South South, and South West were significantly less likely to intend to use contraception, despite these regions generally reporting higher contraceptive prevalence rates in national surveys.
One possible explanation for this trend is the study’s age-specific focus on women aged 15–24 years. Although early marriage is relatively common in some northern regions, a considerable proportion of women aged 15–24 may still be unmarried or newly married, which may influence contraceptive intentions. Unlike older married women who may already have children and established fertility preferences, young unmarried northern women may express contraceptive intention in anticipation of future reproductive needs
Additionally, the role of age at first sex in shaping regional contraceptive intention cannot be overlooked. Northern women, who are predominantly Muslim, are more likely to delay sexual debut until marriage compared to their southern counterparts [38, 39]. This delayed initiation of sexual activity may result in greater contraceptive intention, as young women anticipate future contraceptive use within marriage. In contrast, young women in southern Nigeria, who may experience earlier sexual initiation and different fertility expectations, may report lower levels of contraceptive intention.
These findings underscore the importance of considering regional, cultural, and age-specific nuances when analyzing contraceptive behaviors in Nigeria. Policies and programs aimed at improving contraceptive uptake among young women should prioritize youth-friendly reproductive health services, expand access to reproductive health education, and address cultural and religious barriers to family planning. Evidence from global and regional studies suggests that removing structural barriers to contraceptive information and services among adolescents is critical for improving reproductive health outcomes [40, 41]. Engaging community leaders, religious institutions, and educational systems may enhance the effectiveness of youth-centered family planning interventions [23, 28, 29].
Conclusion
This study elucidates the complex interplay of education, marital status, religion, wealth, age at first sex, and regional variation in shaping contraceptive intention among young adult women in Nigeria. Higher education, economic status, and delayed sexual debut were positively associated with contraceptive intention, while married women, Muslim women, and rural residents exhibited lower odds. The regional differences challenge generalized assumptions, suggesting that age at first sex and marital timing may explain higher intention in the North West, while fertility preferences and sociocultural norms may contribute to lower intention in the South. To improve contraceptive uptake, youth-centered programs should prioritize education, economic empowerment, and culturally tailored outreach, including engaging community leaders and using sensitive communication strategies. Strengthening youth-friendly reproductive health services, improving access to reproductive health information, and addressing sociocultural barriers may help increase contraceptive uptake among young women. Future research should explore the sociocultural, behavioural, and structural factors influencing contraceptive intention among young women using longitudinal and qualitative approaches to better understand causal pathways and inform targeted interventions.
Strengths and Limitations
This study has several notable strengths. It utilized data from the nationally representative 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), which provides a large sample size and enhances the generalizability of findings to young adult women across Nigeria’s regions. The use of standardized data collection procedures and validated measures ensured the reliability and comparability of results. Furthermore, the inclusion of multiple sociodemographic variables allowed for a comprehensive assessment of factors associated with contraceptive intention among young women, an area that has received limited empirical attention in Nigeria.
However, the study has some limitations that should be acknowledged. The cross-sectional design restricts causal interpretation, as associations observed cannot establish temporality between the determinants and contraceptive intention. In addition, contraceptive intention was self-reported, which may be influenced by recall or social desirability bias, particularly in regions where discussing contraception is culturally sensitive. Finally, some potentially relevant variables such as partner influence, exposure to family planning messages, and cultural attitudes, could not be included due to limitations in the NDHS dataset. Despite these constraints, the study provides important insights into the predictors of contraceptive intention among young adult women in Nigeria and highlights areas for targeted policy and programmatic interventions.
Acknowledgements
The authors thank the DHS Program for providing access to the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey data. We also appreciate the anonymous reviewers for their constructive comments.
Author contributions
Jamilu Sani (JS) conducted the data analysis and drafted the initial manuscript. Adeyemi Oluwagbemiga (AO), Johnson Oluwole Ayodele (JOA), and Olumide Owoeye (OO) critically revised the manuscript for important intellectual content. Jane Roli Adebusuyi (JRA), Mairo Abubakar (MA), Yetunde A. Arigbede (YAA), Abdullahi Abubakar Ambursa (AAA), Ibrahim Shehu (IS), Bashar Hamisu (BH), Abubakar Yakubu Abbani (AYA), Mustapha Usman Giro (MUG), Umar Idris Boku (UIB), Abdulmumin Musa Omiya (AMO), Muazu Alhaji Shamaki (MAS), and Salad Halane (SH) contributed to manuscript review, editing, and provided valuable feedback. All authors read and approved the final manuscript and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Funding
This study used publicly available NDHS data, and no additional funding was received for this research or publication.
Data availability
Data used in this study are publicly available from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Program upon request and registration at [ https://dhsprogram.com/ ].
Declarations
Ethics approval and consent to participate
The NDHS data used in this study were collected by the National Population Commission of Nigeria in collaboration with The DHS Program. Ethical approval for the survey was obtained by the implementing agencies, and written informed consent was obtained from all survey participants prior to data collection. For minors, consent was obtained from parents or guardians in accordance with the World Health Organization’s ethical guidelines. As this study involved secondary analysis of publicly available, anonymized NDHS data, no additional ethical approval or consent was required.
Competing interests
The authors declare no competing interests.
Footnotes
Publisher’s note
Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.
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Associated Data
This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.
Data Availability Statement
Data used in this study are publicly available from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) Program upon request and registration at [ https://dhsprogram.com/ ].