Gender-based violence and family planning practice in Nigeria: An exploration of the linkages between intimate partner violence and contraceptive use among married women

Adekunbi Omideyi, Obafemi Awolowo University
Sunday T. Omoyeni, Obafemi Awolowo University

Intimate partner violence has been linked with poor reproductive health outcomes among women. Using information on samples of 19,388 ever-married women from the 2008 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, the study analysed the linkages between women’s exposure to intimate partner violence and contraceptive behaviour. Data was analysed using bivariate and multivariate analyses. Findings showed that about 14%, 8% and 30% of women reported having experienced physical, sexual and any form of violence respectively. Prevalence of violence was higher among women who were living with their husbands (70%). Contraceptive use was lower among women who reported having experienced any form of violence than women who did not. Out of the eight selected socio-demographic variables, six were significantly related to current use of modern contraception. The study suggests the need for pragmatic policies aimed at preventing the prevalence of spousal violence against women in order to increase contraceptive prevalence rate in Nigeria.