Geographical Disparities in Digital Access and Its Association with Contraceptive Knowledge and Use among Women of Reproductive Ages in Nigeria.

Lucy Dim, University of Nigeria Nsukka
Daniel Omole, Viable Knowledge Masters
Chukwuedozie Ajaero, University of Nigeria Nsukka(UNN)

Despite global efforts to promote family planning, a significant proportion of women still experience unmet contraceptive needs, particularly in regions like sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigates the relationship between access to digital tools/platforms and contraceptive knowledge and use among women of reproductive age in Nigeria. Using data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, the study employed descriptive statistics, mapping, and a Structural Equation Model (SEM) to analyze the data. Results indicate varying levels of digital tool ownership and usage across Nigeria's geopolitical zones. The SEM revealed Y=1.0+0.73Phone+0.42Internet+0.19FPPhone+0.20FPSMedia. This result implies that, although exposure to family planning via digital platforms was generally low, significant predictors of contraceptive knowledge and use, included phone text messages, internet usage, and phone ownership. These findings underscore the potential of digital tools to bridge the gap in contraceptive access and suggest integrating digital platforms into family planning policies to improve accessibility and effectiveness.