Browse
You are looking at 11 - 20 of 199 items for
Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Hasselt University, Agoralaan, Diepenbeek, Belgium
Search for other papers by Willem Ombelet in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Federica Lopes in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Infertility affects millions worldwide, with significant medical, financial, and emotional challenges, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Cultural, religious, financial, and gender-related barriers hinder access to treatment, exacerbating social and economic consequences, especially for women. Despite its prevalence, infertility often remains overlooked due to competing health priorities. However, global initiatives recognise infertility as a reproductive health concern, advocating for universal access to high-quality fertility care. In LMICs, limited resources and infrastructure impede access to treatment, prompting people to turn to alternative, often ineffective, non-biomedical solutions. Addressing these challenges requires implementing affordable fertility care services tailored to local contexts, supported by political commitment and community engagement. Emerging technologies offer promising solutions, but comprehensive education and training programs are essential for their effective implementation. By integrating fertility care into broader health policies and fostering partnerships, we can ensure equitable access to infertility treatment and support reproductive health worldwide.
Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming, USA
Search for other papers by Landon K Eldridge in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Dallas R Soffa in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Kyle J Hickman-Brown in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Brooke E McAnally in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Molly S Smith in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Jeffrey G Wiegert in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Rebecca K Poole in
Google Scholar
PubMed
The pioneer microbiome is the initial colonization and establishment of microorganisms within the neonate. The objective of this project was to quantify maternal and environmental contributions to the piglet's pioneer microbiome. Sterile swabs were used to collect samples from the gilt’s rectum, the farrowing crate before and after gilts were moved in, the gilt’s birth canal during farrowing, and the piglet’s rectum on days 0 (prior to suckling), 3, and 10 post farrowing and at weaning (21.6 ± 1.0 days post farrowing). During farrowing, colostrum was collected from each gilt from a representative sample of teats into a single sterile collection cup. Bacterial DNA extraction and sequencing targeted the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. The relative abundance of Lactobacillus in the piglet microbiome was lower on day 3 compared to day 0, day 10, and at weaning (P < 0.05). For alpha diversity, piglet samples exhibited distinct clustering for bacterial richness by day (P < 0.01). Multiple regression analyses indicated that the birth canal explained 51.6% of the variation observed in the piglet day 0 microbiome (P < 0.0001) and 6.5% of the variation in the piglet day 10 microbiome (P = 0.013). The day 10 microbiome explained 58.6% of the variation observed in the piglet microbiome at weaning (P < 0.0001). Bacterial communities of the farrowing crate and colostrum did not impact the piglet microbiome for any day (P > 0.10). The results indicate that the piglet pioneer microbiome is largely influenced by the microbiome of the birth canal.
Lay summary
The pioneer microbiome is the initial colonization of microbial organisms within an animal. For a newborn animal, these microbes can greatly affect their health and growth. It has been shown that the piglet pioneer microbiome is shaped by both maternal and environmental factors. However, it is unclear which source is the primary driver in shaping the microbiome in the newborn pig. The purpose of the study was to determine the piglet gut microbiome and to identify the maternal and environmental factors that contribute to the piglet microbiome from birth to weaning. The results showed that the majority of the piglet's pioneer gut microbiome at birth comes from the mother’s birth canal. This indicates a strong role of maternal factors in shaping the initial newborn’s microbiome. By weaning, the piglet microbiome becomes more stable, even with some disruptions in the microbiome early in life.
Search for other papers by Mary Ann Ottinger in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Shailaja Mani in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Centre for Functional Biodiversity, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Search for other papers by Sonja Krüger in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Brent Coverdale in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Sandi Willows-Munro in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Leigh Combrink in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Microbiomes have emerged as a key component essential for maintaining the health of an organism. Additionally, the roles of microbiomes are multifaceted, some unique to specific body areas and organs while others, particularly the gut microbiome, having broader effects on the entire organism. Comparative literature is emerging that compares microbiomes across mammals and birds. Domestic poultry have been the most extensively studied relative to their role in production agriculture. These data have provided a great deal of information about the effects of diet and nutritional requirements relative to the gut microbiome, productivity, and resilience to diseases. Conversely, limited research has been conducted on wild birds, despite them inhabiting a broad array of ecological niches and environments, providing a rich diversity in their adaptations to different habitats. Migratory birds and raptors are of particular interest. Migratory birds encounter a range of ecosystems and provide a link between allopatric populations. Raptors occupy high positions in the food chain, with potential exposure to biomagnification of environmental contaminants and pathogens. This review overviews our current understanding of the structure and function of avian microbiomes as related to avian health and reproduction in domestic and wild birds, highlighting knowledge gaps in need of further investigation for more effective conservation of rapidly declining avian populations.
Lay summary
Birds are among the most endangered organisms on the planet, vulnerable to many environmental challenges, including disease, loss of habitat, shortage of food resources, and climate-related change. They need to adapt to these challenges to survive and flourish. While the links between the gut microbiome, diet, resistance to infection, and behavior have been well studied in humans, laboratory animals, and domestic or captive birds, comparatively little is known about these associations in wildlife, where diet is expected to be more varied and seasonal. This is especially true for wild bird species. We review the information that is available on the microbiomes of both domestic and wild birds, highlighting knowledge gaps in our understanding of the health and reproduction of wild birds, toward furthering their conservation.
The cost-effectiveness of surgical excision of colorectal endometriosis compared to ART treatment trajectory (TOSCA study) in the management of colorectal endometriosis and subfertility
Study protocol for a multicentre prospective patient preference trial in the Netherlands
Nederlandse Endometriose Kliniek, Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis, Delft, The Netherlands
Search for other papers by R de Koning in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by A E P Cantineau in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by K van der Tuuk in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by B De Bie in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by H Groen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by M E van den Akker-van Marle in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by A W Nap in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by J W M Maas in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by F W Jansen in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by A R H Twijnstra in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Nederlandse Endometriose Kliniek, Reinier de Graaf Gasthuis, Delft, The Netherlands
Search for other papers by M D Blikkendaal in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Currently, the optimal treatment to increase the chance of pregnancy and live births in patients with colorectal endometriosis and subfertility is unknown. Evidence suggests that that both surgery and in vitro fertilisation (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) are effective in improving the live birth rate (LBR) among these women. However, the available evidence is of low quality, reports highly heterogeneous results, lacks direct comparison between both treatment options, and does not assess whether a combination strategy results in a higher LBR compared to IVF/ICSI-only treatment. Additionally, the optimal timing of surgery within the treatment trajectory remains unclear. The primary objective of the TOSCA study is to assess the effectiveness of surgical treatment (potentially combined with IVF/ICSI) compared to IVF-/ICSI-only treatment to increase the chance of an ongoing pregnancy resulting in a live birth in patients with colorectal endometriosis and subfertility, measured by cumulative LBR. Secondary objectives are to assess and compare quality of life and cost-effectiveness in both groups. Patients will be followed for 40 months after inclusion or until live birth. The TOSCA study is expected to be completed in 6 years.
Trial registration number
The TOSCA trial is registered as ‘Cost-Effectiveness of Surgical Excision of Colorectal Endometriosis Compared to ART Treatment Trajectory (TOSCA)’ in the Clinical Trials Register (NCT No. NCT05677269, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05677269)
Date of first patient enrolment
The first patient was included in February 2023.
Lay summary
Treating bowel endometriosis in people with fertility problems is difficult, and at the moment, there is no consensus on the best way to increase the chances of pregnancy. This makes it hard for gynaecologists to advise people when to have either IVF/ICSI or surgery, particularly in patients with fewer pain symptoms, as the benefits of surgery to enhance fertility have to be balanced against the potential risk of side effects. Surgery can improve fertility and pain symptoms, but it may delay people trying to conceive which means the reserve of eggs in the ovaries will reduce with time. IVF/ICSI also seems a viable option, but having the surgery first may increase the chances of conception (both naturally and/or after IVF/ICSI). The TOSCA study aims to determine whether surgery for bowel endometriosis leads to an increased birth rate and better patient reported outcome measures compared to IVF/ICSI alone.
Search for other papers by Maria Handzhiyska in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Rumiana Ganeva in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Dimitar Parvanov in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Margarita Ruseva in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Petar Eftimov in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Vilyana Georgieva in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Denitsa Velikova in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Georgi Stamenov in
Google Scholar
PubMed
The objective of this study was to compare the motility, morphology, and levels of DNA fragmentation of spermatozoa subjected to conventional swim-up or cumulus matrix (CM) sperm selection. Semen samples were collected from 60 normozoospermic men at a private hospital between December 2021 and March 2022. After liquefaction, semen samples were separated into two portions – one part was subjected to conventional swim-up preparation, and the remaining spermatozoa were subjected to CM selection. The CM was obtained by mechanical isolation from healthy donor oocytes. Semen analysis and evaluation of sperm were performed according to the WHO 6th Edition Laboratory Manual and Kruger’s strict criteria, respectively. Sperm DNA fragmentation (SDF, %) of the two preparations was evaluated using the Halosperm G2 detection Kit (Halotech, Madrid, Spain). Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare the characteristics of spermatozoa obtained by the two preparations. Spermatozoa selected by CM showed significantly better rapidly progressive motility (43.5% vs 30.6%, respectively, P < 0.001), a higher percentage of morphologically normal forms (14.0% vs 9.0%, respectively, P < 0.05), and lower levels of SDF (26.0% vs 45.0%, P < 0.05) compared to those prepared by conventional swim-up. Moreover, the incidence of multiple sperm defects was considerably lower in the samples that underwent CM selection compared to those that did not (30.0% vs 49.0%, respectively, P < 0.05).The selection by CM significantly increases sperm motility and reduces morphologically abnormal spermatozoa and DNA fragmentation rates compared to the conventional swim-up preparation. The application of this selection technique may increase the chances of successful IVF outcomes.
Lay summary
There are various techniques for selecting high-quality sperm with better shape, mobility, and DNA quality. However, the success of assisted reproduction techniques remains relatively unchanged. In this study, we describe an innovative method that uses the ingredients of a natural coat surrounding the egg (cumulus matrix) to enhance sperm selection procedures. Using this cumulus matrix as a barrier through which sperm cells pass, we mimic natural sperm–egg interactions and are able to select sperm with better characteristics compared to conventional methods. This new sperm selection procedure could lead to increased assisted reproduction success rates.
Division of Biological Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
Search for other papers by Caitriona Brennan in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
Search for other papers by Kristina Chan in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Tanya Kumar in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
Search for other papers by Erica Maissy in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Linda Brubaker in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
Search for other papers by Marisol I Dothard in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
Search for other papers by Jack A Gilbert in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Katharine E Gilbert in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Amanda L Lewis in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
Search for other papers by Varykina G Thackray in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Medical Scientist Training Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
Division of Gastroenterology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
Jennifer Moreno Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, La Jolla, California, USA
Institute of Diabetes and Metabolic Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
Search for other papers by Amir Zarrinpar in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Department of Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
Center for Microbiome Innovation, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
Search for other papers by Rob Knight in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Graphical abstract
Abstract
Although numerous studies have demonstrated the impact of microbiome manipulation on human health, research on the microbiome’s influence on female health remains relatively limited despite substantial disease burden. In light of this, we present a selected review of clinical trials and preclinical studies targeting both the vaginal and gut microbiomes for the prevention or treatment of various gynecologic conditions. Specifically, we explore studies that leverage microbiota transplants, probiotics, prebiotics, diet modifications, and engineered microbial strains. A healthy vaginal microbiome for females of reproductive age consists of lactic acid-producing bacteria predominantly of the Lactobacillus genus, which serves as a protective barrier against pathogens and maintains a balanced ecosystem. The gut microbiota’s production of short-chain fatty acids, metabolism of primary bile acids, and modulation of sex steroid levels have significant implications for the interplay between host and microbes throughout the body, ultimately impacting reproductive health. By harnessing interventions that modulate both the vaginal and gut microbiomes, it becomes possible to not only maintain homeostasis but also mitigate pathological conditions. While the field is still working toward making broad clinical recommendations, the current studies demonstrate that manipulating the microbiome holds great potential for addressing diverse gynecologic conditions.
Lay summary
Manipulating the microbiome has recently entered popular culture, with various diets thought to aid the microbes that live within us. These microbes live in different locations of our body and accordingly help us digest food, modulate our immune system, and influence reproductive health. The role of the microbes living in and influencing the female reproductive tract remains understudied despite known roles in common conditions such as vulvovaginal candidiasis (affecting 75% of females in their lifetime), bacterial vaginosis (25% of females in their lifetime), cervical HPV infection (80% of females in their lifetime), endometriosis (6–10% of females of reproductive age), and polycystic ovary syndrome (10–12% of females of reproductive age). Here, we review four different approaches used to manipulate the female reproductive tract and gastrointestinal system microbiomes: microbiota transplants, probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary interventions, and the use of engineered microbial strains. In doing so, we aim to stimulate discussion on new ways to understand and treat female reproductive health conditions.
Search for other papers by Kaltrina Krasniqi in
Google Scholar
PubMed
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
Search for other papers by Naomi Black in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Erin J Williams in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Osvaldo Bogado Pascottini in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Sarah Thornton in
Google Scholar
PubMed
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
Search for other papers by Siobhan Quenby in
Google Scholar
PubMed
University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, UK
Search for other papers by Joshua Odendaal in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Chronic endometritis (CE) in humans is asymptomatic inflammation of the endometrium, associated with poor reproductive outcomes. Similarly, asymptomatic endometrial inflammation in cows, termed subclinical endometritis (SCE), is associated with adverse reproductive outcomes. While the pathophysiology and treatment options for CE in humans remain poorly defined, the well-known financial implications of SCE in dairy cows have attracted intensive research. We performed a systematic review to determine potential areas of interest in human CE research, by analysing emergent themes that arose in studies of SCE in cows. A literature search for studies of subclinical endometritis in cows published between 1990 and November 2021 was performed across Embase, Medline, Scopus and CINAHL. Studies of symptomatic or clinical endometritis were excluded. A thematic analysis across two broad themes was explored: i) diagnostic methods of SCE and ii) pathophysiology of SCE. In total, 51 bovine studies were included. Twelve studies reported on diagnostic methodology. The primary emergent theme was the use of cytology for the diagnosis of SCE. Cytological analysis has a lower sensitivity than histopathology but is less invasive and more specific than alternative techniques such as ultrasound, vaginoscopy or metabolic markers. The subthemes related to pathophysiology were identified as the type of endometritis, metabolic stress, artificial insemination, infective causes and altered cellular pathways. Despite the lack of symptoms, cellular pathways of inflammation including NF-κB, MAPK and inflammasomes were found to be activated. The key themes related to the diagnosis and pathophysiology of SCE in cows identified in this systematic review highlight potential areas for future research into human CE.
Lay summary
Long-term or chronic endometritis (CE) is a condition associated with inflammation in the womb lining. People with CE commonly experience recurrent miscarriages and subfertility. The cause of CE is poorly understood, and as such there are no specific treatments. Comparatively, a form of CE (i.e. subclinical endometritis (SCE)) has been extensively researched in dairy cows due to its financial impact. A systematic review of cow studies was carried out and key themes around cause and diagnosis of SCE in cows were identified and analysed. In total, 44 studies were included. Six main themes around the way SCE is diagnosed were found, and examining cells (i.e. cytology) was found to be more sensitive and practical than other techniques. Six themes were also found for causes of SCE, notably difficult delivery, metabolic stress and infection. This study shows potential areas for future research into human SCE and provides insight into the causes of disease within humans.
Search for other papers by Michael L Power in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Carly R Muletz-Wolz in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Department of Nutrition Science, Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
Search for other papers by Sally L Bornbusch in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Graphical abstract
Abstract
Milk is an ancient, fundamental mammalian adaptation that provides nutrition and biochemical communication to offspring. Microbiomes have been detected in milk of all species studied to date. In this review, we discuss: (a) routes by which microbes may enter milk; (b) evidence for proposed milk microbiome adaptive functions; (c) variation in milk microbiomes across mammals; and (d) future research directions, including suggestions for how to address outstanding questions on the viability and functionality of milk microbiomes. Milk microbes may be sourced from the maternal gastrointestinal tract, oral, skin, and mammary gland microbiomes and from neonatal oral and skin microbiomes. Given the variety of microbial sources, stochastic processes strongly influence milk microbiome assembly, but milk microbiomes appear to be influenced by maternal evolutionary history, diet, environment, and milk nutrients. Milk microbes have been proposed to colonize the neonatal intestinal tract and produce gene and metabolic products that influence physiology, metabolism, and immune system development. Limited epidemiological data indicate that early-life exposure to milk microbes can result in positive, long-term health outcomes. Milk microbiomes can be modified by dietary changes including providing the mother with probiotics and prebiotics. Milk replacers (i.e. infant formula) may benefit from supplementation with probiotics and prebiotics, but data are lacking on probiotics’ usefulness, and supplementation should be evidence based. Overall, milk microbiome literature outside of human and model systems is scarce. We highlight the need for mechanistic studies in model species paired with comparative studies across mammals to further our understanding of mammalian milk microbiome evolution. A broader study of milk microbiomes has the potential to inform animal care with relevance to ex situ endangered species.
Lay summary
Milk is an ancient adaptation that supports the growth and development of mammalian neonates and infants. Beyond its fundamental nutritional function, milk influences all aspects of neonatal development, especially immune function. All kinds of milks so far studied have contained a milk microbiome. In this review, we focus on what is known about the collection of bacterial members found in milk microbiomes. Milk microbiomes include members sourced from maternal and infant microbiomes and they appear to be influenced by maternal evolutionary history, diet, milk nutrients, and environment, as well as by random chance. Once a neonate begins nursing, microbes from milk colonize their gut and produce byproducts that influence their physiology, metabolism, and immune development. Empirical data on milk microbiomes outside of humans and model systems are sparse. Greater study of milk microbiomes across mammals will expand our understanding of mammalian evolution and improve the health of animals under human care.
Search for other papers by Francesca Hearn-Yeates in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Andrew W Horne in
Google Scholar
PubMed
APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
Search for other papers by Siobhain M O’Mahony in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Philippa T K Saunders in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Graphical abstract
Abstract
Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting one in ten women and those assigned female at birth, defined by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. It is commonly associated with pain, infertility, and mood disorders, and is often comorbid with other chronic pain conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome. Recent research has identified a key role for the microbiota–gut–brain axis in health and a range of inflammatory and neurological disorders, prompting an exploration of its potential mechanistic role in endometriosis. Increased awareness of the impact of the gut microbiota within the patient community, combined with the often-detrimental side effects of current therapies, has motivated many to utilise self-management strategies, such as dietary modification and supplements, despite a lack of robust clinical evidence. Current research has characterised the gut microbiota in endometriosis patients and animal models. However, small cohorts and differing methodology have resulted in little consensus on the data. In this narrative review, we summarise research studies that have investigated the role of gut microbiota and their metabolic products in the development and progression of endometriosis lesions, before summarising insights from research into co-morbid conditions and discussing the reported impact of self-management strategies on symptoms of endometriosis. Finally, we suggest ways in which this promising field of research could be expanded to explore the role of specific bacteria, improve access to ‘microbial’ phenotyping, and develop personalised patient advice for reduction of symptoms such as chronic pain and bloating.
Lay Summary
Endometriosis is a chronic condition affecting one in ten women and those assigned female at birth, defined by the presence of tissue, similar to the womb lining, growing outside the womb. Symptoms include pelvic pain, period pain, pain during sex and when going to the toilet, digestive disturbance and bloating, infertility, depression, and anxiety. Standard treatments, including surgery and hormone-altering drugs, often have negative side effects. Many women with endometriosis use self-management strategies to control their symptoms, including changing their diet or taking supplements. Although some reports suggest such strategies are helpful, there is limited high-quality evidence to support their use. Here, we discuss how dietary adaptations could be impacting endometriosis-associated symptoms via changes to the bacteria within the gut. Gut bacteria communicate with the brain and influence inflammation throughout the body. Therefore, altering the gut bacteria through dietary changes can potentially benefit a variety of endometriosis-associated symptoms.
Search for other papers by Ibrahim Banaru Abubakar in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Search for other papers by Hafsat Banaru Abubakar in
Google Scholar
PubMed
Nigeria has the largest population in Africa, a high fertility rate, and unmet needs for family planning. Family planning is a key strategy for sustainable development. A good knowledge of factors that determine contraceptive uptake is imperative for policy formulation. A nationally representative secondary dataset of 41,821 women aged 15–49 years who participated in the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey was analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between various factors and the current use of modern contraceptives. The respondents’ average age was 35.9 ± 7.9 years. Overall, contraceptive prevalence was 16.6% for traditional methods and 12.2% for modern methods. Predictors of an increase in modern contraception use were age 40–44 (aOR = 1.07, 95% CI: 0.75–1.53); being a working-class woman (aOR = 1.15, 95% CI: 0.99–1.33); living in an urban area (aOR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.97–1.33); living in the South West (aOR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.03–1.79); increasing wealth (aOR = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.66–0.93); and health insurance (aOR = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.89–1.68). Couple dynamics influencing modern contraceptive use were joint decision (aOR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.81–2.59), self-decision on health care (aOR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.06–1.70), and earning more than a partner (aOR = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.78–1.66). There are significant variations in contraceptive uptake attributable to socioeconomic and political inequalities, requiring a holistic approach to mitigate barriers and improve contraceptive uptake.
Lay summary
This study examined modern contraceptive use among 41,821 Nigerian women aged 15–49 using data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. The average age of the participants was 36 years. The findings showed that 12.2% of women used modern contraceptive methods, while 16.6% used traditional methods. Factors influencing modern contraceptive use included being aged 40–44, being employed, living in urban areas, residing in the South West region, having higher wealth, and having health insurance. Couple dynamics also played a role, with joint decision-making, self-decision on health care, and higher earnings than a partner being associated with increased contraceptive use. The study highlights the importance of addressing socioeconomic and political disparities to improve access to and use of contraceptives for Nigerian women, ultimately contributing to sustainable development.
