Contraceptive Discontinuation among Nigerian Women: Exploring the Ethnic Variations

Rate of contraceptive discontinuation is on the increase among users who are still at risk of unwanted pregnancy despite their knowledge of the need for it. Little is known about associated factors and variations among the major ethnic groups in Nigeria. This study explored the ethnic variations in contraceptive discontinuation among married women of childbearing age 15–49 years (n=5,992) using Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2008. Factors associated with contraceptive discontinuation were examined using Pearson Chi-Square and Binary Logistic Regression. The result indicated that contraceptive discontinuation was highest among Hausa/Fulani(40.2%) and the minority ethnic groups (37.8%)compared with their Igbo (35.6%) and Yoruba counterparts (33.6%).Major reasons for discontinuation were infrequent sex (18.9%), menopausal or hysterectomy (17.8%) and fear of side effect (17.5%). Though with variations among the ethnic groups, age, residence, education, wealth status, number of living children, experience of child death, age at first marriage and birth, and desire for more children were the major factors associated with contraceptive discontinuation in Nigeria (p<0.05). Odds of discontinuation were significantly lower among Yoruba women (OR=0.94;C.I=0.61–0.96; p<0.05) compared with Hausa/Fulani counterparts. The study suggests focus on improving contraceptive technology, contraceptive education and wide coverage.