What Influences Modern Contraceptive Utilisation Among Single Mothers in Nigeria? Evidence from Pooled Cross-Sectional Surveys

Abstract

Background: Existing studies in Nigeria and elsewhere have examined the associated factors of modern contraceptive utilisation among different segments of women such as adolescents, never married and women of advanced reproductive age. However, the associated factors of modern contraceptive utilisation among single mothers have been rarely explored. Though, some studies have examined the health and socio-economic conditions of single mothers but the associated factors of modern contraceptive uptake among them were largely ignored. This study therefore examines factors influencing modern contraceptive utilisation among single mothers in Nigeria. Methods: Data were extracted from four consecutive Nigeria Demographic and Health Surveys (NDHSs) implemented between 2003 and 2018. A weighted sample size of 7,215 single mothers was analysed. The outcome variable was current modern contraceptive utilisation. The explanatory variables are sets of selected socio-economic and demographic characteristics such as education, household wealth quintile, place of residence, age, parity and fertility desire. Data analysis was carried out using Stata version 14. Two multivariable logistic regression models were fitted in the study. Results: Findings reveal 11.7% current utilisation of modern contraceptives among single mothers. Improvements in educational attainment and household wealth quintile increases the odds of modern contraceptive use, Muslim single mothers had lower odds of modern contraceptive use (AOR=0.527, p<0.05; 95% CI: 0.366-0.759) and employed single mothers had higher odds of modern contraceptive use (AOR=1.449, p<0.05; 95% CI: 1.123-1.867). Findings further reveal that single mothers who had moderate exposure to the mass media (AOR=1.455, p<0.05; 95% CI: 1.049-1.807), single mothers who had high exposure to the mass media (AOR=1.442, p<0.05; 95% CI: 0.690-1.394) and younger single mothers (AOR=1.377, p<0.05; 95% CI: 1.049-1.807) had higher likelihood of modern contraceptive use. Conclusion: Modern contraceptive utilisation is low among single mothers in Nigeria. A number of socio-demographic characteristics of single mothers exert significant influence on modern contraceptive use. The contraceptive need of women involved in single motherhood may be different from the needs of other groups of women. The development of a special strategy targeting single mothers is thus imperative in the country.