Experience with prior use of contraception may contribute to low uptake rates of modern contraceptives. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the pattern of current contraception among women with prior contraceptive use. Methods: This was a retrospective study at a tertiary hospital in northern Nigeria. Available client records from the family planning clinic from January 1st, 2000 to March 31st, 2014 were retrieved. Information was collected on demographics, reproductive and contraceptive history. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 15 with significance level at P<0.05. Results: Majority of clients were aged <35 years (71.7%); educated to secondary level (56.9%); Muslims (52.3%) and were spacing (76.2%). Only 2621 (43.8%) had used prior contraception and were more likely to be older, Christians, of higher parity, want no more children and use the intrauterine device (IUD) and implants for contraception (p<0.05). The commonest type of prior contraception was injectables (45.2) and current contraception was IUD. About 42.1% continued their prior contraception. Age, religion, number of living children and reason for contraception were significantly associated with client's choice to continue prior contraception, or to switch to a new form of contraception (p<0.05), while educational status was not (p>0.05). On logistic regression, religion was the only significant variable in the model (p<0.05).
Concusion:The preferred form of current contraception among prior contraceptive users in our setting is the intrauterine device, and less Muslims are continuing with their prior choice.