Contraceptive methods awareness and use among women of reproductive age in an urban district of Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Contraceptive use can reduce maternal morbidity and mortality and improves the socio-economic status of families, communities and the nation. The objectives of this study are to assess contraceptive awareness, attitude and pattern of use among women aged 15-49 years in a Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos, Nigeria.

Methodology: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study design. A community survey was done using multi-staged sampling technique to select 220 women of reproductive age from the LCDA. Information on the awareness of contraceptive methods and use was obtained using an interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire. Data analysis was done using Epi InfoTM statistical software.

Result: Most respondents were educated up to secondary school (85.5%), married (57.3%), and less than half had no children (42.7%) and still in school (36.4%). Majority of respondents are aware of contracepetive methods (86.0%), Condoms and injectables are the most known. Few respondents are currently using any form of contraceptive method (31.8%), and had ever used them before (36.4%). The commonest contraceptive method used are condoms ([24.3% for currently using]; [47.5% for ever used]); oral pills ([28.6% for currently using]; [41.3% for ever used]) and injectables ([18.6% for currently using]; [26.35% for ever used]). The commonest side effect reported is irregular menstruation (31.4%). There was no positive association between contraceptive use and marital status, education and occupation of respondents (p > 0.05 in all).

Conclusion: The study concludes that despite the high level of awareness of contraceptive methods, the level of use is low among women studied.