Knowledge, non-use, use and source of information on contraceptive methods among women in various stages of reproductive age in rural Lagos, Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

BackgroundContraceptives are advocated to be used against unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases as unsafe abortion contributes to high maternal mortality in Nigeria while unwanted pregnancies have terminated the educational development of many females.ObjectiveThis questionnaire-based survey aimed to describe the knowledge, nonuse, and use of various contraceptive methods among women in different child-bearing age groups in rural Lagos, Nigeria.Materials and methodsBetween 2012 and 2013, 816 females in rural communities within Lagos State were surveyed for their knowledge, source of information, and use of contraceptives. They were grouped into early, mid, and late reproductive age. Statistical analysis of data harvested from respondents was carried out using STATA 13 software.ResultsIn all, 816 females in different stages of reproductive age were involved in the study, among whom 19% were single, 78% married, 3% divorced, and 0.5% widowed. About 6% had no formal education, while the majority (81%) were of the Yoruba ethnic group. Married respondents were approximately thrice more likely to know of contraceptives than single respondents (χ2=29.9, P=0.000, odds ratio =2.9, 95% confidence interval =1.9, 4.2). Condom use was the most widely known and used method of contraceptive regardless of marital status and reproductive age status. Information about contraceptives was mainly from health facilities among married and divorced women and from school or educational institution among singles. Overall prevalence of contraceptive use was 51.9%. Nonuse of contraceptives was 43% among married women and 67% among singles. Knowledge of contraceptive method was negatively associated with marital status (t=−2.24, P=0.025) but positively associated with source of information on contraceptives (t=20.00, P=0.000). Use of contraceptives was positively associated with stage of reproductive age (t=1.94, P=0.05) and source of information on contraceptives (t=11.22, P=0.000), but negatively associated with marital status (t=−2.79, P=0.005) and religious belief (t=−1.89, P=0.05).ConclusionKnowledge and use or nonuse of contraceptives could be pivotal in designing adequate prenatal care to prevent unwanted pregnancy and consequently illegal abortion or possible adverse pregnancy outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and conditions such as small for gestational age. Data from this study can also be used to design penetrating health education on making pregnancy safer or living a healthy female reproductive life.

knowledge and utilization of family planning among rural postpartum women in Southwest Nigeria

“…This finding is similar to those of a mixed study among women of childbearing age from two South-Western States, Nigeria and another study from rural Lagos in which most of the respondents became aware of contraceptive methods from their antenatal clinics. [ 30 31 ] However, this result was contradicted by a community-based study among women of reproductive age in Umuahia, Abia State, in which respondents cited electronic media (television/radio) as their main source of information. [ 32 ]…”

Perception of obstetric danger signs among women living on the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean in rural Lagos, Nigeria

“…Literature search revealed no similar study having been conducted in this geographical location in the country and extremely few in other parts similar location in sSA. The study population was defined as the homogenous group of people living together for at least 10 years at Elegushi Community in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area (LGA) and Ijede Community at Ikorodu LGA of Lagos State, Nigeria (Afolabi et al, 2015). In general there was a high literacy rate of 88.4% in Lagos State and 91.6% among those aged 15 to 49 years (NPC, 2006).…”

Factors Associated With Contraceptive Use Among Antenatal Care Clients With 3 or More Children at a Central Hospital in Burundi: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…1,20 Information sources also play a role in contraception uptake. [22][23][24] In our study, medical personnel were the most frequently reported source of information about contraception, over neighbours, radio or television, and the Church. In rural Malawi, it has been shown that the media can play a significant role in improving maternal health outcomes when it is community-led and locally driven.…”