Partner Influence and Family Planning Decision-Making among Married Couples in Hwolaza Community of Plateau State, Nigeria A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

This study investigates partner influence on family planning decision-making among married couples in Hwolaza Community, Jos North LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria, amid patriarchal norms where male dominance often governs reproductive decisions. Using a mixed-methods design with surveys of 105 married couples and in-depth interviews, it examines attitudes, decision-making factors, and partner involvement. Findings reveal conservative attitudes favouring large families and natural methods due to cultural and religious values, misconceptions about modern contraceptives, and low program engagement. Decision-making is heavily influenced by economic pressures, spousal communication gaps, cultural beliefs, and limited access, while partner involvement remains minimal, with men rarely participating and viewing family planning as women's responsibility. Despite awareness of methods and side effects, perceived barriers—financial, normative, and health fears, outweigh benefits, perpetuating high fertility. Anchored in the Health Belief Model, the study highlights diminished perceived severity of uncontrolled fertility against strong cultural benefits, compounded by high barriers and weak cues to action and self-efficacy. It emphasises the critical need for male involvement and comprehensive education targeting both partners. The study recommends that community and religious leaders should actively dispel contraceptive myths and endorse responsible family sizes in sermons and teachings; government authorities and NGOs should deliver couple-focused education and joint counselling with male prioritisation; and policymakers, healthcare providers, and women's groups should ensure subsidised or free contraceptives, upgrade rural infrastructure, utilise mass media, and integrate family planning into women's economic empowerment programmes.