Fertility Intentions, Contraceptive Awareness and Contraceptive Use among Women in Three Communities in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

This study measured contraceptive knowledge, contraceptive use and fertility intentions among 1408 women of reproductive age in three communities in Kaduna state, Nigeria. Contraceptive knowledge was relatively high, with 64.6% of women having heard of at least one method. Radio and health facilities were the primary sources of information. The pill was most widely known (54.1%), followed by female sterilization (47.5%) and injectables (47.4%). Knowledge did not reflect use, however, as only 3.1% were current users of any method, among which injectables, pills and traditional waist bands were the most popular. Nearly 10% of non-users intended to begin using a method in the coming year, of whom 37.3% wished to use injectables. When asked about their last birth, 87% of women had desired to become pregnant and only 15% felt that their last pregnancy was mistimed. A sensitive and community-friendly approach is needed to reduce risks associated with high fertility while being respectful of community preferences (Afr. J. Reprod. Health 2010; 14[3]: 65-70).

Key words: Rural women, contraception, fertility, northern Nigeria.