A cross-sectional study on assessment of birth control methods in family planning facilities among pregnant mothers in parts of Hong, Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study assessed the knowledge, accessibility and utilized birth control methods among pregnant mothers. Surveys and choice-type questionnaires were the study methodology used. A total of 222 pregnant women were drawn at random from three different health facilities in Hong. Frequency and percentage were used in the data presentation. Age group 36–50 (47.1%) years, NCE/Diploma (38.1%), civil servant (25.1%), pregnant women with parity of 3 and 4 children (24.8%) and child spacing of ≥ 2 years (53.4%) had the highest number of subjects, according to the sociodemographic characteristics of those who participated. Participant's knowledge of and access to birth control methods revealed those who were already sensitized (83.3%), knowledge source of birth control method was hospital (46.3%), who knew the precise time of ovulation (65.2%), who had access to birth control through Primary Health Care centers and acknowledge the importance of birth control techniques (80.5%) recorded high numbers of participants. According to the utilization of birth control techniques, the highest rates were seen in both participants who frequently breastfed and utilized a calendar or rhythm with equal score (40.5%) as a natural method of birth control, those who employ coitus interruptus (54.3%), menstruated while breastfeeding (56.6%), and who frequently used condoms, pills etc. (37.4%). Additionally, 57.4% cited cost serve as a barrier for condom utilization, while 58.2% cited their culture and religious beliefs have not prevented them from utilizing birth control. Therefore, Birth control technique sensitization at home and health care center, level of education alongside availability and access point to modern contraceptive at health care influence utilization of both natural and modern methods of birth control.