Does Quality Of Counseling And Exposure To Family Planning Messages Influence The Use Of Modern Contraceptives Among Women In Northern Nigeria?

BackgroundFamily Planning Counselling (FPC) involves information exchange on contraceptive methods between a provider and client and providing appropriate support in choosing a method that best suits the clients needs. Access to sexual and reproductive health information enables women to make informed health decisions. However, the low modern contraceptive prevalence among women in northern Nigeria may be attributed to poor FPC and exposure to FP messages, among other factors. This study examines the impact of quality FPC and exposure to FP messages on modern contraceptive use. MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional survey of 676 family planning clients aged 15-49 from 163 health facilities in Northern Nigeria. Quantitative data were collected using client exit interviews. The analysis included a binary logistic regression to predict the odds of modern contraceptive use using MII Plus and other explanatory variables. ResultOnly 29% received quality counselling about methods, while 35% were exposed to FP messages. The quality of counselling assessed using MII Plus did not predict modern contraceptive use. However, higher odds of using modern contraceptives were found among clients who reported their provider asked about their previous family planning experience (aOR=3.81; 95% CI: 1.04-13.99) and explained how the selected FP method works (aOR=5.51; 95% CI: 1.11-27.30). Clients who received FP messages from a place of worship (aOR=11.97; 95% CI: 1.76-81.62) and a community ruler (aOR=6.52; 95% CI: 1.02-41.58) had higher odds of using modern contraceptives. ConclusionImproving the quality of FPC and expanding exposure to FP messages through effective community structure can enhance the uptake of modern contraceptives in northern Nigeria.