A recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has unveiled a concerning trend in Jigawa State, where a staggering 93 percent of women opted not to use any contraceptive methods throughout 2021.
The revelation, part of NBS Demographics Statistics Report for 2022, sheds light on the state’s family planning practices, posing significant implications for public health and development.
Drawing on data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS 2021), the report highlighted Jigawa as having the highest percentage of women abstaining from contraception, while Lagos State recorded the lowest percentage at 54.7 percent.
The disparities in contraceptive choices were further underscored by Lagos leading in the adoption of modern contraceptive methods at 36.6 percent, compared to Jigawa’s meager 3.6 percent.
The NBS emphasized the vital role of contraception in preventing unintended pregnancies, reducing maternal health risks, and mitigating pregnancy-related fatalities.
Birth control methods, as outlined in the NBS report, interfere with natural processes such as ovulation, fertilization, and implantation.
The report also emphasized the broader health benefits of family planning, especially in preventing health complication for young girls and older women.
In addition to the focus on family planning, the comprehensive report provided insights into broader demographic trends. The Total Fertility Rate saw a decline from 5.50 in 2013 to 5.14 in 2022, indicating potential shifts in family size preferences.
Moreover, positive growth was noted in life expectancy at birth, with male life expectancy rising from 53.2 years in 2015 to 55.1 years in 2022, and female life expectancy increasing from 55.3 years in 2015 to 57.3 years in 2022.
As policymakers and health professionals grapple with these findings, the NBS report emphasizes the urgent need for targeted interventions and education to address the significant gap in contraceptive use, particularly in Jigawa State.
The implications, it was also stressed, extend beyond immediate health concerns, impacting the broader aspects of societal well-being and development in general.
