Family planning method discontinuation among Nigerian women: Evidence from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2018

OBJECTIVES: The cessation of family planning among sexually active women who do not intend to have children increases the number of unplanned pregnancies and the risks to maternal health. This study examined the predictors of family planning method discontinuation among sexually active Nigerian women. METHODS: Data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) were used. A total of 4553 women 15–49 years of age who had stopped using family planning methods in the previous 5 years were included in the study. Descriptive and binary logistic regression were used in the analysis. RESULTS: More than 60% of the women sampled had stopped family planning and had no intention of having children. Respondents discontinued family planning because of adverse effects (15.2%) and method failure (12.9%). Predictors of modern family planning discontinuation were secondary education (OR = 1.302, 95% CI: 1.006–1.685), Islamic religion (OR = 1.281, 95% CI: 1.059–1.550), residence in the South-East geopolitical zone (OR = 0.248, 95% CI: 0.195–0.316), having three or more children (OR = 0.848, 95% CI: 0.735–0.978) and having paid employment (OR = 0.838, 95% CI: 0.715–0.982). CONCLUSION: Socio-economic and cultural factors influence discontinuation of family planning among Nigerian women. Policy options are needed to increase family planning uptake, identify common adverse effects of family planning and focus on raising public awareness regarding the negative consequences of discontinuing family planning on individuals, families and the nation.