Prevalence, Pattern and Determinants of Contraceptive Use among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State

Abstract

Introduction: Africa has the fastest growing population in the world, which is of great concern because of its adverse impact on social stability. This population surge is partly due to the high rate of unmet need of contraception. Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, pattern and determinant of contraceptive use among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at the National Obstetric Fistula Centre (NOFIC), Abakaliki, Nigeria. Study Design: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at NOFIC, Abakaliki between February and April 2024 Methods: Three hundred (300) pregnant women attending antenatal care at NOFIC, Abakaliki were interviewed on contraceptive usage prior to their current pregnancy, using an Interviewer-administered questionnaire to collect relevant data; which were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 20. Results: Among the 300 participants in the study, women at 26-30 years were the largest group 111 (37%). Primigravida accounted for 50% (150) of the participants; 168 (56%) had tertiary education and 195 (98.3%) were married. Most of the participants 257 (85.7%) knew about contraception. However, the prevalence of contraceptive use was 42.7% (128/300); creating 57.3% (172/300) unmet needs. Male condom was the most popular method 83 (27.7%). Complications occurred in 10 (7.8%) of the participants who had used contraception before; the commonest being prolonged vaginal bleeding. The commonest reason for not using contraception was not considering it necessary 84 (48.8%). More than half of the participants 162 (54%) would have loved to use contraception but did not have access to it; while 10 (3.3%) participants who had access never used it. Of those who were aware of contraception, 86 (33.5%) did not have their partners’ support for its use, with the commonest reason being the fear of side effects 28 (32.6%). Conclusion:  There is still a high level of unmet need for contraception in Nigeria. Efforts should be intensified in education and the provision of contraception.