FACTORS INFLUENCING THE USE OF MODERN BIRTH CONTROL METHODS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The paper examines the factors that influence the use of modern methods of birth control in Nigeria. These factors include religion, culture, education, and income, refusal by spouse, lack of trained personnel and lack of family planning clinics. Malthusian theory is relevant and suitable for this study and so it was adopted as the theoretical framework. Also, modern methods of birth control were identified and discussed; they are condom, oral contraceptives, female sterilization, male sterilization, Intrauterine Devices (IUDs), contraceptive sponges and emergency contraception. Therefore the paper recommends that there is need for government to include family planning services as part of the health care programme at federal, state and local levels. This will go a long way to address the problem of maternal and infant mortality. Government and non-governmental organizations should create more awareness especially at the grassroots to sensitize and educate people on birth control met