Do health service contacts with community health workers influence the intention to use modern contraceptives among non-users in rural communities? Findings from a cross-sectional study in Nigeria

Abstract

Background Studies in many developing countries have shown that community health workers (CHWs) are valuable for boosting contraceptive knowledge and usage. However, in spite of the evidence, studies in Nigeria have rarely examined whether in the absence of skilled health personnel such as doctors and nurses in rural and remote communities, the health service contacts of non-users with CHWs drive the intention to use modern contraceptives. This study, therefore, examines the extent to which health service contacts with CHWs are associated with the intention to use modern contraceptives among non-users in rural communities of Nigeria. Methods This study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design. Data were extracted from the most recent Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). The study analyzed a weighted sample of 12,140 rural women. The outcome variable was the intention to use modern contraceptives. The main explanatory variable was health service contacts with CHWs. Statistical analyses were performed at three levels with the aid of Stata version 14. Three multivariable regression models were estimated using an adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) with a 95% confidence interval. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results Findings showed that more than a quarter (29.0%) of women intends to use modern contraceptives. Less than one-fifth (15.9%) of the women had health service contacts with CHWs. In Model 1, women who had health service contacts with CHWs were more likely to intend to use modern contraceptives (aOR =1.430, 95% CI: 1.212–1.687). Likewise, in Model 2, women who had health service contacts with CHWs had a higher likelihood of intending to use modern contraceptives (aOR = 1.358, 95% CI: 1.153–1.599). In Model 3, the odds of intention to use modern contraceptives were higher among women who had health service contacts with CHWs (aOR =1.454, 95% CI: 1.240–1.706). Conclusion In rural areas of Nigeria, health service contacts with CHWs are significantly associated with the intention to use modern contraceptives. Family planning programmers should leverage the patronage of CHWs for the purpose of family planning demand generation in rural areas.

Decision-making pathways for contraceptive use among refugee and host populations in Adjumani district, Uganda.

“…The study revealed that, VHTs did not only conduct door to door visits to give information on contraception but also organized community sensitization and linked clients to health facilities which has enhanced referrals because of trust by the community. This nding is similar with a study done in Nigeria that con rmed that community health workers have a big stake in increasing contraceptive information and use (Solanke et al, 2023). Based on the above, we recommend that government and partners intensify health promotion campaigns based on credible sources of information at community level.…”

“…Their written consent was obtained before commencement of the interviews. Written consent was obtained from parents/guardians on behalf of the adolescent participants who were less than 18 years (Solanke et al, 2023).…”

Performance Analysis of Family Welfare Empowerment Application: A Kanban Method Approach

“…Empowering families can have a far-reaching positive impact on society as a whole. By providing support, knowledge, and skills to families, individuals within the community can better understand their rights, optimize education and employment opportunities, and enhance their understanding of health and family planning [4]. This fosters personal development and empowerment within the family unit and generates a ripple effect throughout the broader community.…”