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Influence of Cultural and Religious Beliefs on Family Planning Decisions in Nigeria: A Narrative Review

Monsurat Abdulwahab, Ashiat Ajibola Ganiyu, Yahkub Babatunde Mutalub, Hajara, Ali, Oluchukwu Blessing Ogunleye

Abstract

Background: Nigeria continues to experience high fertility rates and low uptake of modern contraceptive methods despite decades of family planning (FP) programming. Cultural and religious beliefs remain central to reproductive decision-making and significantly shape attitudes toward fertility regulation. Aim and scope: This narrative review synthesizes empirical evidence on how cultural and religious beliefs influence family planning decisions in Nigeria, with attention to gender norms, regional variations, and health system interactions. Methods: A narrative review approach was employed. Peer-reviewed articles, demographic reports, and grey literature were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online . Studies published in English focusing on Nigeria were included. Thematic synthesis was used to organize findings. Key themes: Pronatalist norms, gender power asymmetries, son preference, misconceptions about contraception, religious doctrines, and the role of faith leaders emerged as dominant themes. These factors intersect with education, poverty, and health system accessibility to shape contraceptive behavior. Implications: Family planning programs in Nigeria must adopt culturally sensitive and faith- informed strategies, strengthen male involvement, and address gender inequities. Future research should focus on longitudinal and intervention-based studies that integrate cultural and religious contexts. P-ISSN 2695-219X

Keywords

Family planning; Cultural beliefs; Religious beliefs; Fertility behavior; Reproductive health; Nigeria

References

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