Socio-cultural determinants of fertility preference among men in Ibadan, Nigeria

Fertility preference remains a key driver of population growth and demographic transition in sub-Saharan Africa, where high desired family sizes persist despite increasing urbanization and socio-economic change. In Nigeria, reproductive intentions are shaped by complex socio-cultural and educational influences. Although men play a central role in reproductive decision-making, evidence on male fertility preferences remains limited. This study examined fertility preference among men in an urban Nigerian setting and assessed its socio-demographic, socio-economic, and cultural determinants. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 428 men in Ibadan, Nigeria, including both migrants and non-migrants selected through multistage sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Analyses included descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multivariable linear regression. Fertility preference was treated as a continuous outcome variable, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The mean fertility preference was 3.7 ± 1.3 children, with most respondents preferring three to four children. In the adjusted analysis, men from polygynous families reported higher fertility preference than those from monogamous families (β = 0.41, 95% CI 0.09–0.73, p = 0.013). Compared with respondents with no formal education, those with primary education (β = −0.63, 95% CI −1.15 to − 0.11, p = 0.018) and tertiary education (β = −0.81, 95% CI −1.36 to − 0.25, p = 0.004) reported lower fertility preference. Respondents practicing Islam reported higher fertility preference than Christians (β = 0.36, 95% CI: 0.06–0.65, p = 0.017). Men aged 40–49 years (β = −0.46, 95% CI −0.84 to − 0.08, p = 0.018) and ≥ 50 years (β = −0.60, 95% CI −0.98 to − 0.21, p = 0.003) reported lower fertility preference than those aged 20–29 years. Current number of children was positively associated with fertility preference (β = 0.61, 95% CI 0.50–0.72, p < 0.001). Migration status, marital status, occupation, income, and ethnic-group categories were not statistically significant after adjustment. Fertility preference among men in this setting was associated with family structure, educational attainment, age, religion, and current number of children. The persistence of these socio-cultural and reproductive associations highlights the importance of culturally responsive and male-inclusive reproductive health strategies that address social norms and support informed reproductive decision-making.