Barriers to use of modern contraceptive among reproductive age women in rural communities in Delta State, Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Low contraceptive use remains a public health challenge in Nigeria. The study aims to assess the coverage, barriers to usage and predictors of modern contraception among women of reproductive age in Ughelli North Local Government Area (LGA), Delta State, Nigeria.
Method: A community-based cross-sectional household survey was conducted in eight rural communities. Multi-stage sampling was used in selecting the respondents. Both descriptive and predictive analyses were conducted. Simple frequency and proportion was used to describe the characteristics of the women. Binary logistic regression was estimated to examine determinants of modern contraceptive use. We estimated both adjusted and unadjusted odd ratios. Multiple response analysis was undertaken to assess reasons for use and non-use of modern contraceptive.
Findings: The results revealed that 19.3% of the women were currently using modern contraceptive, while 31.8% once used and stopped. In order of hierarchy, the most commonly used types of contraceptives were injectable, oral pills and implants. The most commonly mentioned reason for the use of modern contraceptive were birth spacing and termination of childbearing. The fear of side effects and the need to continue childbearing were the motivations for discontinuing the use of modern contraceptive. The predictors of modern contraceptive use are secondary educational qualifications (aOR: 1.456, 95% CI: 0.45–4.71) and tertiary educational qualifications (aoR: 3.091, 95% CI: 0.93–10.24).
Conclusion: While education opportunities should be expanded for women in the area, intervention programmes with awareness creation that will educate the women and allay their fears on side effects of modern contraceptives use should be implemented.