Contraceptive Acceptance Pattern and Trend in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Nigeria has a very low contraceptive usage despite the high fertility rate. Studying the contraceptive acceptance pattern and the women’s choices of contraception will provide information that could enable health care providers and stakeholders improve availability and access to contraception.

Objective: To evaluate the pattern of contraceptive acceptance and trend in a Nigerian tertiary hospital.

Methodology: A retrospective review of the records of the family plann-ing clinic of University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu over a 4 year period, from 2006 - 2009.

Results: A total of 1319 out of 1372 new clients accepted different contraceptive methods within the period under review giving an acceptance rate of 96.1%. There was a sharp drop in the number of acceptors from 573 in 2006 to 187 in 2007. Thereafter, there was a gradual rise to 242 in 2008 and then 317 in 2009. The mean age was 34.7 ± 4.3 years while the modal parity was 3. The most commonly accepted method overthe period was intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) 530 (40.2%), followed bythe implants 432 (32.8%). Only 2 (0.2%) chose bilateral tubal ligation.

Conclusion: The contraceptive acceptance rate among new family planning clients in UNTH Enugu is high. IUCD was the commonest contraceptive method accepted by the women, and there were fluctuations in clients’ attendance during the period under review. Women enlightenment and community mobilization are needed for stability in acceptance and utilization of family planning methods.