Willingness to Adopt a Modern Contraceptive Method among Pregnant Women attending Antenatal Care in Primary Health Centres of Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Modern Contraceptives (MC) use in developing countries is inadequate due to the low involvement of women in decisions  on reproduction. This study assessed the willingness to adopt MC methods postpartum by pregnant women attending antenatal care  (ANC) in Primary Health Centres (PHCs) of Rivers State Nigeria.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 379 pregnant women attending ANC in PHCs within Rivers State  Nigeria. Participants provided information on socio-demographics, reproductive history, awareness and knowledge of MC, partner  communication on MC, and willingness to adopt MC postpartum. Data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences  version 23. The chi-square test for associations and multivariate logistic regression analysis for predictors of willingness to  adopt MC postpartum were computed (P ≤ 0.05).

Results: Most of the participants (n = 257; 67.8%) were aged 25 – 34 years, married (n = 370; 97.6%) with good knowledge of MC (n = 316;  86.3%). Tubal ligation was the most known MC method followed by condoms and implants. The most desired MC method was injectables  (n = 111, 45.3%) while 245 (64.6%) participants were willing to adopt a method postpartum. Prior thought of adopting MC (AOR 24.628;  95%CI = 11.139 – 54.452) and having one living child (AOR = 0.201; 95%CI = 0.045- 0.905) were predictors of willingness to use MC  postpartum.

Conclusion: Willingness to adopt MC postpartum was high among women attending ANC in PHCs in Rivers State Nigeria.  Reinforcement of MC desires of these women by health workers is recommended.