Family planning and contraceptive practices among parturients in a cottage hospital in south-west Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Family size predetermination and birthing according to schedule is a strong determinant of family stability as it allows proper resource allocation and management.

Aims: To determine the family planning practices among parturients and determine the factors that can influence the uptake of contraceptives in the semi urban and rural population.

Methodology: This is a cross-sectional quantitative, structured questionnaire based study of consecutive parturients in a cottage hospital.

Results: Seventy five percent of the respondents had a birth interval of between 1-2years and the mean birth interval was about two and half years (Standard Deviation = 1year 3months). The pregnancy was anticipated in 101/131 (77.1%) of the cases and 90/131(68.7%) of them planned the number of children they want to have.

Sixty two (47.3%) of the respondents have ever used a contraceptive while the knowledge of contraception was 88.5% (116/131). History of discontinuation was found in about forty percent (25/62) of the respondents and the main reason for discontinuation was desire for conception. Over half of the respondents (57.3%) opined that the major influencers to accept contraceptives are husbands influence; personal desire and if there are incentives attached.

There was a significantly positive correlation between parity and number of children alive (r=0.89; p=0.01)

Conclusion: The high parity among women is a consequence of low child survival. Increasing inter-pregnancy interval and increasing uptake of contraceptives might improve pregnancy outcome and improve the health of the woman. Male involvement in contraceptive services will improve significantly contraceptive uptake.

Keywords: Choice of Contraception, Determinants, Infant Mortality, Family Size