Factors Influencing the Choice of Contraceptives among the Married Women in Osogbo, Western Nigeria

Abstract

Until the 1960s, the intrauterine device (IUD), spermicides, diaphragm and the condom were the only artificial methods of contraception available. Currently, the mix of available methods has greatly expanded and the IUD is the second most prevalent form of contraception used worldwide after female sterilization with prevalent rates of 13.6% and 20.5%, respectively, among women of reproductive age, married or in union. This objective of the present study is to determine the most chosen contraceptive method and the factors influencing such choice of contraceptive method among the married women attending the family planning clinic of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria between January 2001 and December 2006. The study was a retrospective review of the records of the family planning clinic of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Osogbo. These were new clients coming for the first time to the family planning clinic of the institution from January, 2001 to December, 2006. A total of 1355 married women were coming for the first time to the family planning clinic within the study period, and their age range between 18 and 51 years with a mean of 33.5+6.1 years. 170 (12.5%) were Para 1, Para 2-4 were 855 (63.1%), while Para 5 and above were 330 (24.4%). The clients source of information about family planning was: family planning clinic personnel 1039 (76.7%), media (print and electronic) 152 (11.2%), friends and relatives 127 (9.4%), and community health workers 37 (2.7%). Intrauterine contraceptive device was the most chosen method by the clients 1011 (74.6%), while condom was the least chosen 3 (0.2%); 264 (19.5%), and 77 (5.7%) clients chose injectables and pills, respectively. IUD remain the commonest method of contraceptive use among our women, and copper containing IUD is the only available IUD in our family planning clinic, and almost in all family planning clinic in Nigeria. Newer devices are becoming available which are even more effective and safe. The introduction of these newer devices is therefore advocated for this population of women that has made IUD their doyen of contraception.