Knowledge and Associated Factors Affecting the Use of Contraceptive Among Women Attending Two Selected Primary Health Care Centre in Ogun State.

Abstract:

Nigeria remains one of the countries in the world with high fertility rates, despite efforts to reduce high fertility rate by increasing use of contraceptive by women of childbearing age. This study assesses knowledge and factors affecting the use of contraceptives among women. A descriptive research design with convenient sampling techniques was used for the study. A self-structured questionnaire was used as instrument for the study. A sample size of 204 women were selected as participants. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS V20. Descriptive statistics (percentage) was used to analyze characteristics of respondents. Results revealed that 58% of the respondents have low knowledge of contraceptives, and that factors affecting use of contraceptives include distance to health facility (66.7%), lack of funds (62.7%), unavailability of contraceptives on appointment date (68.7%), and factors in their culture not supporting use of contraceptives (58.8%) and belief that family planning can lead to depopulation (72.6%). In conclusion, majority of respondents have low knowledge of use of contraceptives, and it is recommended that Government develop targeted educational campaigns to increase awareness and promote informed decision-making regarding family planning. KEYWORDS: Contraceptives, Knowledge, Use, Factors, Culture, Family planning.