Contraceptive Use and Fertility Control in Rural and Urban Communities of Lagos Nigeria

Abstract

Background: It is predicted that the population of sub-Saharan Africa will be thrice its size by the end of the 21st century. Our study compared patterns, incentives and disincentives for the uptake of contraceptives in rural and urban communities of Lagos, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This is a population-based cross-sectional study on 1445 women of reproductive ages 15–49 years using a cluster sampling technique and a pre-tested, interviewer-administered electronic questionnaire in 2020. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 26.0 and ethical approval was obtained for the study. Results: About 32.4% of the respondents were rural dwellers and 67.6% were urban residents. The overall mean age was 31.7 ± 7.8 years. In terms of pattern, slightly over half (53.3%) of all respondents had ever used family planning (FP), including modern contraceptives and slightly less than a third (30.8%) currently use FP methods in both rural and urban communities, respectively. Predominant disincentives for non-use of FP include a desire to retain fertility, lack of further need, unbearable side effects and lack of spousal support. The odds of being an urban dweller currently using a method of contraceptive method is 4.169 times higher for earners above N60,000, which is twice the minimum wage compared to those without income (adjusted odd's ratio: 4.169, 95% confidence interval: 1.395–12.462). Conclusion: Sustained effort is required to improve contraceptive uptake, FP service delivery and demand satisfaction for modern contraceptives to enable the achievement of demographic dividends and gains.

Misconceptions and Spousal Communication about Family Planning among Women of a Rural Community in Ekiti State, Nigeria

“…[16] Prevalence of ever use of contraceptive was 23.7% in this study which is far less than what was found 56.2% in another rural community in Lagos State within the same Southwester region. [17] Contraceptive prevalence rate is still very low and still quite substantial number of women still experience unmet need. Some of the reasons will these persist are because of some perceived misconception by these women of reproductive age group.…”