Barriers to use of modern contraceptives among women in an inner city area of Osogbo metropolis, Osun State, Nigeria

Abstract

ObjectivesTo determine the knowledge and attitudes on modern contraceptive use of women living in an inner city area of Osogbo.Materials and methodsThree hundred and fifty nine women of childbearing age were studied utilizing a community-based, descriptive, cross-sectional study design. A multistage random sampling technique was used in recruiting respondents to the study. A four-part questionnaire was applied dually, by interviewers and by respondents’ self administration, and the data was analyzed using the SPSS software version 17.0.ResultsThe mean age of respondents was 28.6 ± 6.65 years. The majority (90.3%) of respondents were aware of modern methods of family planning (FP), 76.0% claimed awareness of where to obtain FP services, and 74.9% knew of at least five methods. However, only 30.6% had ever used contraceptives, while only 13.1% were current users. The most frequently used method was the male condom. The commonly perceived barriers accounting for low use of FP methods were fear of perceived side effects (44.0%), ignorance (32.6%), misinformation (25.1%), superstition (22.0%), and culture (20.3%). Some reasons were proffered for respondents’ nonuse of modern contraception. Predictors of use of modern contraceptives include the awareness of a place of FP service provision, respondents’ approval of the use of contraceptives, higher education status, and being married.ConclusionMost of the barriers reported appeared preventable and removable and may be responsible for the reported low point prevalence of use of contraceptives. It is recommended that community-based behavioral-change communication programs be instituted, aimed at improving the perceptions of women with respect to bridging knowledge gaps about contraceptive methods and to changing deep-seated negative beliefs related to contraceptive use in Nigeria.

Knowledge, Perception and Practice of Contraception among Staff and Students in a University Community in Delta State, Nigeria

“…This is the literature trend that high contraceptive knowledge does not always result in a corresponding high contraceptive use 6,17,18 .…”

“…Significant among the many reasons are socio-cultural and religious beliefs, shallow understanding concerning pregnancy and contraception, scarcity of products, aggressive attitudes of health providers toward adolescents who desire contraception services, ignorance and misinformation 6,17,23 . A global study revealed that 56% of young married women are intentionally pregnant (so do not use contraceptives); 20% are using contraception, and 24% are not desirous of being pregnant but still refuse to use contraceptives.…”

“…In addition, it is on record that sexually-active adolescents (10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24) years) contract Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) most readily 4 .…”

Context-specific Factors and Contraceptive Use: A Mixed Method Study among Women, Men and Health Providers in a Rural Ghanaian District

“…This evidence is far-reaching of the potential benefits of women educational status on contraceptive and maternity seeking behavior in developing countries 7,24,42,43 . By responding to noneducated women concerns through focused counselling, contraceptive misconceptions, myths and cultural norms that divest women's intention for use could be addressed.…”

“…These barriers affecting women's choices for fertility needs are described as -remarkably pervasive‖ 6 . Barriers affecting women's choices are also increasingly evidenced to affect women's ability to effectively regulate their reproductive choices in the short to long term [6][7][8] . Unintended pregnancies resulting from unplanned pregnancies are the consequences of poor contraceptive use in most developing countries 9 .…”