Community-based Study of Contraceptive Behaviour in Nigeria

Abstract

A cross sectional, community-based, descriptive study among women of reproductive age group (15-49 years) in Nigeria to explore the possible reasons for contraceptive non-use despite reported high awareness was carried out. Data were obtained using a standard questionnaire instrument and applied on 2001 respondents. Contraceptive prevalence among sexually active respondents was 14.8% for all methods, 10.1% for modern methods and only 0.8% for emergency contraceptives. The most frequently stated reasons for non-use of contraceptives, among those who had never used any contraceptives but who did not want more children were: "did not think about it", "against religious belief " and "fear of side effects." Prior counseling significantly improved the continuation rate of contraception. Multivariate analysis showed that older, married and more educated women tended to use contraceptives more. Health-care providers should be trained to offer counseling services to all clients in general, and young, unmarried and uneducated women in particular in order to improve their acceptance of contraceptives. RÉSUMÉUne étude à base communautaire sur le comportement du contraceptif au Nigéria. Nous avons mené une étude descriptive traversale à base communautaaire auprès des femmes dans le group en âge d'avoir des enfants (15-19 ans) au Nigéria afin d'explorer les raisons qui peuvent expliquer le non-usage des contraceptifs malgré le haut niveau de sensibilisation. Les données ont été recueillies à l'aide d'un instrument de questionnaires standards administrés aux 2001 répondantes. La fréquence contraceptive parmi les répondants qui sont sexuellement actives était de 14,8% pour toutes les méthodes, 10,1% pour les méthodes modernes et juste 0,8% pour les contraceptifs d'urgence. Les raisons les plus fréquemment données pour expliquer le non-usage des contraceptifs parmi ceux qui n'ont jamais utilisé les contraceptifs, mais qui ne voulaient pas encore d'enfants étaient: "je n'y ai pensé", "contre la croyance religieuse" et "la peur des effets secondaires". L'analyse multifactorielle a montré que les femmes les plus âgées, mariées et instruites avaient la tendance d'utiliser les contraceptifs. Il faut former des prestataires de services médicaux pour qu'ils puissent rendre les services d'orientation à tous les clients en général, mais sourtout aux jeunes, aux célibataires et aux femmes non-instruites afin d'améliorer leur acceptance des contraceptifs. (Rev Afr Santé Reprod 2006; 10[2]:90-104)

Patterns of contraceptive usage at family planning clinics in Ilorin, Nigeria

“…is was similar to ndings in studies done both in Nigeria and some Netherlands. 15,18 is was observed particularly among the multiparous women who probably had attended antenatal classes during previous pregnancies and were adequately informed about contraception. e mass media (print media, radio and television) were the source of information in 21.6%, this was contrary to a cross-sectional study done in united states where 70% of respondents obtained information from the media.…”

“…13,14 is is however contrary to a community based study of contraceptive behavior in Nigeria. 15 In the United Kingdom, combined oral contraceptive pill is the most commonly used method of contraception with condom use as the second commonest. 2,16 Acceptance of intrauterine contraceptive device was high at the teaching hospital,(41.1%) and this was similar to the ndings done in Ghana.…”

Is Age Difference Between Partners Associated with Contraceptive Use Among Married Couples in Nigeria?

“…Furthermore, there is the need to examine the role that contraceptive use may play in preventing unintended pregnancy in age-asymmetric relationships, given that contraception has been found to be an effective means of fertility control for various health, economic and social reasons. 18 Examination of age differences between marital partners is of particular importance in Sub-Saharan Africa, where, as a result of gender imbalances and cultural influences, males are frequently in charge of what happens (or does not happen) within relationships, including sexual interactions and decisions regarding family size and contraceptive use. The limited decision-making power of women in this setting often impedes their ability to achieve their fertility goals.…”

Contraceptive Practice Among the Married Women of Reproductive Age in the Garments Factory

“…but lesser than rate reported by Shirmeen et al from Karachi 23 . Though it is more than double the rate observed by Adeniran etal 24 .…”