…Low adoption persists in North despite high awareness; Lagos leads in youth condom use
A new study by the Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI) has unveiled key strategies to drive greater adoption of family planning methods in Lagos, Kaduna, and Kano states, amid concerns over persistently low uptake in the North despite high levels of awareness.
The research, titled Family Planning Communication Landscaping Analysis, was conducted across 30 local government areas and drew data from over 5,000 respondents. The findings reveal significant regional disparities, with Lagos recording the highest contraceptive usage at 41.6 per cent, while Kano and Kaduna lag at 27.4 and 26.8 per cent, respectively.
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Presenting the findings at a webinar, Dr. Matthew Okoh, the research lead and medical social media advocate, noted that while awareness is widespread, deep-seated social norms, religious beliefs, and gender power dynamics continue to hinder progress, especially in northern states. He said many respondents cited lack of spousal support, fear of infertility, and pressure to have large families as key reasons for avoiding contraception.
Among the methods surveyed, injectables, implants, and male condoms emerged as the most commonly used. Condom use among adolescents was highest in Lagos at 84 per cent, compared to 61.5 per cent in Kaduna and 44.4 per cent in Kano. Injectables were most preferred by adolescents in Kano, with 29.6 per cent uptake.
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The study also found differences in preferred communication channels. While youths in Lagos largely relied on social media and television alongside government health centres, respondents in Kano and Kaduna trusted radio and public health facilities more. The influence of traditional and religious leaders in shaping public opinion was powerful in the North, Dr. Okoh added, calling for their inclusion in future advocacy campaigns.
With Nigeria’s fertility rate standing at 4.8 children per woman, the study emphasised the urgent need for targeted communication efforts to address reproductive health gaps. The findings call on federal and state authorities, development partners, and healthcare workers to align their messaging with community values and local realities.
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Dr. Okoh concluded that the evidence offers a roadmap for more effective engagement. “We must speak the language of the people, use the platforms they trust, and address their fears honestly if we want to see meaningful change in family planning adoption,” he said.