PERCEIVED RISK AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH UTILIZATION OF CONTRACEPTIVES AMONG POSTPARTUM WOMEN IN NSUKKA, ENUGU STATE
IGBOELI NNEKA UCHENNA1,2*, ANOSIKE CHUBUEZE1, 2, AYOGU EBERE EMILIA1,2
1. Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
2. Mother and Child Research Group, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria.
Afr. J Pharm Res Dev; Volume 12(1): 079-090 ; 2020
ABSTRACT
Use of contraceptive methods in Nigeria has remained low despite documented evidence of health benefits. Concerns about health risks and side effects of contraceptives, among other factors, may influence uptake of family planning. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the perceived risk and factors associated with utilization of contraceptives by postpartum women. This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study conducted among postpartum women at immunization centres in two health facilities. A three-section questionnaire, eliciting information on demographics, information related to the woman’s fertility, and perceived risks of contraceptive methods to women’s health was used. These were given to postpartum women visiting immunization centers at two health facilities in Nsukka. Data from the questionnaire were coded into Excel software, and analysed using SPSS. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and means were calculated. Chi-square and t-test were conducted as appropriate. All statistical values were set at p < 0.05. Out of the 230 questionnaires given out, 210 were retrieved. Uptake of postpartum contraceptive was 30.4%. Contraceptive methods with the highest risk scoring were IUCD (2.27 ± 1.920), injectable contraceptives (2.23 ± 1.857), and emergency contraceptive pills (2.22 ± 1.886). Factors associated with use of contraceptives were religion (p = 0.029), occupation (p = 0.015), baby’s age (p = 0.0001), resumption of sexual activity (p = 0.005), discussion of contraception with husband (p = 0.0001), and husband’s perceived attitude to contraception (p = 0.0). Postpartum contraception uptake was low. Intra-uterine contraceptive device (IUCD), injectable contraceptive and emergency contraceptive pills were rated as the methods with the highest risk to women’s health. Religion, occupation, baby’s age, resumption of sexual intercourse, spousal communication on family planning matters, and spouse’s attitude towards contraceptive use were significantly associated with the use of postpartum contraceptive method.
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KEYWORDS: Contraceptives, postpartum, utilization, perceived risk, associated factors.