How Nigerian women navigate male partners in contraceptive decisions

Women in Nigeria often make contraceptive decisions through a three-stage process shaped by male partner influence, according to a secondary qualitative analysis of in-depth interviews with 60 women aged 15 to 45 from Enugu and Plateau States. The study, published in Contraception and Reproductive Medicine, drew on data from the Innovations for Choice and Autonomy (ICAN) project, part of a multi-country study conducted in Nigeria. Researchers examined how women perceive and navigate male partner influence in contraceptive decision-making in a patriarchal society where restrictive gender norms shape reproductive choices.

The analysis identified three distinct stages: before, during, and after the decision-making process. In the ‘before’ stage, societal norms shaped women’s perceptions, reinforcing the idea that men, as heads of the household, are expected to make decisions.

During the decision-making stage, women deployed specific strategies to align their partners’ views with their own. These included persuasion, joint decision-making, and involvement of third parties. However, male partners often asserted significant influence by insisting that women comply with their preferences, which constrained women’s agency.

In the ‘after’ stage, outcomes diverged based on relationship dynamics. Supportive partnerships emerged when couples communicated openly and shared their views. In relationships characterised by dominant gender roles, women often complied with their husbands’ preferences.

The researchers conducted thematic analysis guided by a pre-existing codebook, examining decision-making, agency, and partner influence. Data were analysed using Dedoose software (version 9.0.62), with emergent themes refined through collaborative coding, independent review, and memo writing.

The study’s findings highlight the need for gender-sensitive approaches that promote open dialogue, couple-based education, and policies that support women’s autonomy while fostering collaborative decision-making. The researchers note that while male dominance often constrains autonomy, some women navigate these barriers through persuasion, negotiation, or covert use to exercise reproductive autonomy.

Related studies published in the same journal have examined socio-demographic and economic characteristics associated with contraceptive decision-making in Nigeria, factors associated with modern contraceptive use among Nigerian women, and gender norms and modern contraceptive use in urban Nigeria.

The study is published as open access research, with the article shared early to provide faster access to peer-reviewed, accepted research. It is citable and carries a permanent DOI, subject to further edits before the final Version of Record.

Subject of Research: How Nigerian women navigate male partner influence in contraceptive decision-making

Article Title: Male partners’ roles in women’s contraceptive decision-making in Nigeria: a secondary qualitative data analysis

Article References: Nmadu, A. G., Challa, S., Okoli, C., Tijani, A., Jegede, A., Idiodi, I., Dimowo, S., Sedlander, E., Suchman, L., & Omoluabi, E. (2026). Male partners’ roles in women’s contraceptive decision-making in Nigeria: a secondary qualitative data analysis. Contraception and Reproductive Medicine, 11(1), Article 52. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40834-026-00470-y

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1186/s40834-026-00470-y

Keywords: contraception, Nigeria, reproductive autonomy, gender norms, male partners, qualitative research, decision-making, women's health, patriarchal society, couple communication, Male, partners