Assessment of Knowledge, Uptake and Determinants of Modern Contraceptive Method Use among Women of Reproductive Age in Benue South Zone, North Central Nigeria

Nil

Abstract

Background: According to WHO, Nigeria has the highest burden of maternal mortality in the World. Increased contraception uptake has been shown to reduce maternal mortality by up to one-third. The aim of this study was to identify factors influencing modern contraceptive uptake in Benue South Zone, upon which interventions can be designed.

Methods: This cross-sectional study targeted 280 women of reproductive age (WRA) selected by multistage sampling. Simultaneously, a facility family planning services assessment was conducted in health facilities selected from each Ward. Trained assistants collected two sets of data using a 2018 NDHS-adapted questionnaire, hosted on the online ODK Collect survey platform. The information was analyzed on SPSS version 23. 

Results showed that over half of the women desired to have five or more children and three-quarters had been pregnant, with 21% already with five or more living children. The miscarriage/abortion rate was low. Over 95% knew about modern contraceptives and knew them from radio and television jingles. More than half of the women were currently using modern contraceptives, which were predominantly Condoms, Pills, Implants and Injectables; the same range of contraceptives stocked by their health facilities.  Only the age of respondents had a statistically significant association with contraceptive uptake in this study.

Conclusion: This study revealed that WRA in the Benue South District have good knowledge and high utilisation of modern contraceptives, and the age of respondents showed a statistical association with contraceptive uptake in the study.