Contraceptive Practice Barriers and Suggested Measures to Improve Contraceptive use among Mothers from a Tertiary Hospital in Abuja, Nigeria
Publication Date: 04/12/2020
Author(s): Ochala Ejura Jennifer, Rauf Ibrahim, Professor (Dr.) Syed Ali Gulab Jan, Associate Professor (Dr.) Samsiah Mat.
Volume/Issue: Volume 3 , Issue 7 (2020)
Abstract:
Introduction: Ill-timed, unspaced births and high birth rates put Nigeria infamously as the 4th highest contributor to global maternal mortality. The period following childbirth provides a window of opportunity to reduce this through improved contraceptive use. This cross-sectional quantitative study carried out at a tertiary hospital in Abuja to identify contraceptive practice barriers and measures to improve use among mothers with infants less than 12months. Methodology: Questionnaires were to administered on 220 consenting mothers; data analyzed using SPSS software version 25. Descriptive analysis and the inferential statistical techniques used are binary logistics regression and the paired-sample T-test to establish the relationship between variables — the p-value set at 5% level, thus p<0.05 is termed significant. Results: 200 questionnaires were retrieved; the mean age of the respondents was 31; most had tertiary level education, were Christians and in monogamous union. Most mothers desired and had below four children. The commonly used methods are the condom, IUD, pills and implant. 48% are currently on a method. Contraceptive use was dependent on respondent’s religion (p=0.050) and child’s age (p=0.038). Identified barriers are personal information and health system barriers. There appeared a statistical difference in the perception of barriers and measures to improve contraceptive use. PB and HEM [t(199) = -11.456, p=0.000]. FCB and FCM [t(199) = -4.608, p=0.000]. HSB and HSM [t(199) = -8.173, p=0.000]. Conclusion: Less than half of postpartum women use any form of contraceptive and child's age and religion determined it, the mothers are indifferent on personal information and family/cultural barriers, but concerned on improving health system measures. This study reaffirmed the place of health education and drawing attention to improving method availability, counselling, opening, and equipping more family planning facilities can improve contraceptive.
Keywords:
Contraceptive Practice, Health System Barriers, Mothers, Hospital, Nigeria
