Contraceptive Use among Married Women in Zaria, Northwest Nigeria

In modern days, the need to control child birth and maintain a manageable family size is a fact of life. This is due to social and economic realities in the contemporary world system. The practice of contraception has continued to receive attention because of this fact. This study was undertaken to evaluate this in Zaria, an important educational and historical centre in Nigeria. Two hundred and seven-six randomly selected married women from three selected districts were involved in this study. Data were collected using a 4-section-self-constructed-administered questionnaire. Data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics (chi-square set at 0.05). Findings showed a high level of knowledge and awareness lof contraceptive methods but with relative low contraceptive uptake. The age of women, their religious affiliations and levels of education were correlated with the use. Socio-cultural determinants such as religious and cultural beliefs as well as spouse disaproval still remain the main obstacles to contraceptive use. It was therefore suggested that religious and community leaders should form a deliberate target of family planning enlightenment progrgammes and advocacy. A family-centred approach to family planning services involving husbands will likely further strenghten use of such services. Keywords: Practice, Family planning, contraceptives , married women, child spacing, birth control