Abstract

CHOICE OF CONTRACEPTIVES: A STUDY OF THE EXPERIENCES OF MOTHERS AT ANTENATAL CLINICS IN A NIGERIAN TOWN

Chikere A. Anusiem*, Peace Chigozie Okorie and Hector Okechukwu Obianyido

Abstract

Background: Increased use of contraceptives in developing countries as family planning tools has significantly reduced maternal mortality rates and increased infant survival in sub-Saharan Africa. Currently available family planning options include: oral contraceptive pills, injectable contraceptives, implants, condom for males, female condom, diaphragms, spermicides, intra-uterine devices, periodic abstinence or safe period, and sterilization (vasectomy and bilateral tubal ligation for males and females respectively). Frequently the choice of contraceptive depends more on the woman and a number of factors could influence the choice she makes. As part of a bigger project, we investigated the patterns and determinants of choice of contraceptives by mothers at antenatal clinics in Enugu, a major town in Nigeria. Methods: The study was a cross-sectional survey conducted in Enugu and was clinic based. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20 computer software. Statistical differences were determined at p < 0.05. Results: The method of family planning used most commonly by the women (n=216) was periodic abstinence/safe period (41.2%), which is a natural method. This was followed by condom for males (25%), oral contraceptives (17.6%), hormonal implants (14.4%), and injectable hormonal injections (13.4%). The least frequently used were diaphragms/cervical caps 0.9%) and spermicides (4.2%). The choice of contraceptives was associated with educational level attained by the mothers for the use of intra-uterine contraceptive device (loop), sterilization, as well as periodic abstinence. Parity was on the order hand negatively associated with the choice of spermicides and oral contraceptives.

Keywords: Contraceptives, antenatal clinic, women, family planning, Nigeria.