Alcohol consumption and use of contraceptives: Evidence from 2018 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey in Nigeria

Abstract

Per capita alcohol consumption in Nigeria is high when compared with other countries in Africa. Alcohol induces social behaviors which include home violence, sexual harassment, unwanted pregnancy, and infidelity among couples. On the good side of it, couples who find themselves in alcohol consumption chose modern contraceptives use to prevent unwanted pregnancy. The objective of the paper is to examine the effect of alcohol consumption on modern contraceptive use in Nigeria. A probit regression model using data from the 2018 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey was employed. The paper found that alcohol intake among couples has a significant effect on their decision to use modern contraceptives. The result also signified that educational level significantly affects the use of modern contraceptives. Other significant factors affecting modern contraceptive use were the partner's occupation, the number of living children per couple, and the wealth index. The paper recommended that counseling should be made at social gatherings for those who take alcohol to use contraceptives.