Analysis of Socio-Cultural Factors Influencing Contraceptive Use Among Married Women in Kebbi State

Contraceptive uptake among married women in North West Nigeria remains among the lowest in the country, shaped by a complex interplay of socio-cultural, religious, and institutional factors that intersect to limit reproductive autonomy. This study analyses the socio-cultural determinants of contraceptive use among married women in Kebbi State, focusing on Birnin Kebbi and Argungu Local Government Areas. A quantitative cross-sectional survey was adopted, with 230 married women of reproductive age recruited through community health centres completing structured questionnaires. Data were analysed using binary logistic regression, chi-square tests, and descriptive statistics. Findings reveal that only 11% of respondents currently use any form of modern contraception, with husband's disapproval, religious objections, fear of side effects, and social stigma identified as the dominant barriers. Women with secondary or higher education are three times more likely to use contraception than those without formal education. Female community health workers are identified as the most trusted source of contraceptive information. The study recommends engaging religious and community leaders as advocates for family planning, investing in community health worker training on gender-sensitive reproductive health counselling, and designing family planning programmes that involve male partners. These findings contribute to reproductive health gender literature in the North West zone. Keywords: contraceptive use, reproductive autonomy, married women, Kebbi State, gender