Factors Associated with Joint Decision on Contraceptive Use Among Currently Married Women In Nigeria: Evidence From Repeated Cross-Sectional, Nationally Representative Data

Background: While joint decisions among partners have been associated with a higher likelihood of using modern contraceptives, limited empirical evidence exists in factors explaining joint decision-making among partners. Hence, this study examines factors associated with joint decisions on contraceptive use among married women in Nigeria. Methods: Secondary analysis of the three most recent repeated cross-sectional nationally representative surveys by pooling data from three successive Demographic and Health Surveys (individual recode) datasets for the years 2008, 2013, and 2018. Analysis of data was restricted to women currently married and living with their partner, having at least one surviving child in the age group 20-40 years. The weighted sample size for 2018, 2013, and 2008 was (18,016, 16,807, and 14,410) making a total sample of 49,233 women. Binary logistic regression was performed. Result: Factors that consistently predicted joint decisions on the use of modern contraceptives across all three data points are region of residence, education, religion, household wealth, and autonomy. Conclusion: The implication of our findings is that any intervention seeking to promote joint contraceptive use among couples must take into consideration the socioeconomic, cultural, and religious barriers that adversely affect women ability to make informed decisions on their reproductive health. Keywords: Joint decision, Modern contraceptives, women