The Choice of Contraceptive Method among New Clients attending Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background Nigeria is Africa’s most populous state with a low rate of contraceptive use. Factors affecting the method of contraception chosen vary widely across different parts of the country. We studied the preferred methods and characteristics of new clients attending a family planning clinic in a teaching hospital in northern Nigeria. Method Retrospective review of the records of new clients to the family planning clinic of the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano (AKTH) between January 1997 and December 2007. Results Of the 3,842 new clients (38.3%) chose injectables, while intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs) were chosen by 1,330 (34.6%) clients. All the other methods were accepted by less than 30% of the new clients. The number of new patients who opted for contraception increased steadily from 164 in 1997 to 624 in 2007 with slight decreases in 2001 and 2004 [?2 trend=7.4 P<0.01]. Younger clients with low parity chose injectables, IUCDs and oral contraceptives while older women of higher parity preferred female sterilization, IUCD and injectables in that order. Conclusion The use of family planning services can be enhanced through strategies directed at the males, youths and multiparous women. The use of media and client friendly services will serve a complementary role.

Key Words: Contraceptive choice, new clients, Kano, Nigeria