Investigation of Contraceptive Use and Unmet Need Among Women in Rural Nasarawa State

Unmet need for family planning, defined as wanting to delay or space births but not using contraception, remains a major driver of unintended pregnancy and maternal mortality in North Central Nigeria. This study investigated contraceptive use patterns and unmet need among women of reproductive age in rural Nasarawa State. A community-based cross-sectional survey was conducted in three rural LGAs: Toto, Keffi, and Doma, enrolling 260 women aged 15 to 49 through multi-stage cluster sampling. A structured questionnaire assessed current contraceptive use, fertility preferences, reasons for non-use in women desiring to delay or stop childbearing, healthcare access, and spousal communication about family planning. Unmet need was calculated per the standard DHS definition. Results showed a modern contraceptive prevalence rate of 27.3 percent, substantially below the national target. Unmet need was present in 38.4 percent of respondents (spacing unmet need 24.6 percent, limiting unmet need 13.8 percent). Women with unmet need cited inability to discuss family planning with husbands (61.5 percent), fear of side effects (53.8 percent), and religious opposition (38.5 percent) as primary reasons for non-use. Spousal communication about family planning (OR 4.1; p < 0.001) and healthcare provider counselling (OR 3.2; p < 0.001) were the strongest predictors of current use. The study recommends male involvement community mobilisation, high-quality family planning counselling at PHC level, and community health worker outreach for rural women in Nasarawa State. Keywords: contraceptive use, unmet need, family planning, Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria