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Partner Discussion as a Mediator of the Effects of Mass Media Exposure to FP on Contraceptive Use among Young Nigerians: Evidence from 3 Urban Cities

Evidence suggests that despite high knowledge of family planning (FP), unwanted pregnancies and birth rates remain high among young Nigerians. There is a critical gap in understanding the nexus between exposure to FP information and contraception practices among this population. This study aimed to fill this gap and tested a pathway of the impact of media exposure to FP messages on modern contraceptive use. Data came from a 2018 cross-sectional baseline survey of young people aged 15–24 in three urban centers in Nigeria – Lagos, Kaduna, and Kano. This was part of an impact evaluation of a television-based drama designed to improve contraceptive use among young individuals. The study was limited to 777 young men and women who were sexually active. We found evidence of the mediation effect of media exposure to FP messages on partner discussion about FP, which in turn was associated with an increased likelihood of modern contraceptive use. Contraceptive self-efficacy also had positive associations with contraception. Our study elucidated a potential pathway through which media communication programs can significantly contribute to increased modern contraceptive use and underlined the importance of providing young people in Nigeria with opportunities to learn and practice obtaining and using contraception.