Factors Limiting Modern Contraceptive Use in Zing Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study was set out to find out factors influencing contraceptive use among women in Zing Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria. The study was triggered by the fact that despite various interventions and awareness on the need to use contraceptives, the usage is still very low in Nigeria, most especially the Northern Nigeria which Zing Local Government Area of Taraba State is inclusive. The broad aim of the study was to investigate the factors influencing contraceptive use among women in Zing Local Government of Taraba State, however, the specific objectives were: to find out socio-economic factors, cultural factors,s and religious factors influencing contraceptives among women in Zing L.G.A. Taraba. A review of the related literature was based on the objectives of the study. The data were collected mainly through questionnaires, while official documentation and observations were employed as supplementary tools. The data were analyzed via the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study finds out that contraceptive use is against religious teachings and not approved by religion furthermore cultural factors that influence contraceptives are demand for children, partners’ decisions, contraceptives limits population infertility, myths, and misinformation. Other reasons for the disapproval of contraceptives include serious side effects, and there is no need for it since they are legally married and children are gifts from God. The study however recommended that Public enlightenment on contraception should start from antenatal clinics, religious leaders should be involved as change agents for shaping norms and influencing Behaviours related to family planning and contraceptives as well as the need for stakeholders in the state to find ways of increasing the use of family planning services by making it attractive to the women through incentives, especially among those living in the rural areas of the state.