Sociodemographic determinants of contraceptive intention among young adult women (15–24) in Nigeria: the role of age at first sex and region of residence

BACKGROUND: Young adult women represent a critical population in reproductive health due to their heightened risk of unintended pregnancy and limited socioeconomic opportunities. Contraceptive intention is a key determinant of future contraceptive use; however, limited evidence exists on the factors influencing contraceptive intention among young adult women in Nigeria. This study therefore examined the sociodemographic determinants of contraceptive intention among young adult women in Nigeria, with particular attention to age at first sex and region of residence. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). A total of 14,210 women aged 15-24 years who reported their contraceptive intention were included, while current contraceptive users were excluded because the analysis focused specifically on contraceptive intention among women who were not currently using any contraceptive method. Descriptive statistics summarized sample characteristics, while bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses identified determinants of contraceptive intention. Results were presented as crude and adjusted odds ratios (CORs and AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The prevalence of contraceptive intention among young adult women in Nigeria was 47%. Education showed a strong positive association, as women with tertiary education were more than three times as likely to intend to use contraception compared to those with no education (AOR = 3.51; 95% CI: 2.81-4.40; p < 0.001). Married women (AOR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.54-0.74; p < 0.001) and Muslim women (AOR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.45-0.60; p < 0.001) had significantly lower odds of intending to use contraception. Wealth status showed a positive gradient, while later sexual debut (≥ 20 years) was associated with higher intention (AOR = 1.35; 95% CI: 1.05-1.73; p = 0.02). Regional differences persisted: women in the North West had higher odds (AOR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.39-1.83; p < 0.001), while those in the South East, South South, and South West had lower odds of contraceptive intention. CONCLUSION: Education, marital status, religion, wealth, age at first sex, and regional context are key determinants of contraceptive intention among young adult women in Nigeria. Addressing disparities through youth-centered and culturally sensitive family planning interventions that promote education, reproductive health awareness, and economic empowerment could improve contraceptive uptake and reduce unintended pregnancies. However, the cross-sectional nature of the data limits causal interpretation of the observed associations.