Contraceptive prevalence amongst women attending infant welfare clinic at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital

Abstract

Background: Low contraceptive prevalence in Sub-Sahara Africa has increased the burden of unwanted pregnancies and continued population explosion thus hampering the economic development of the sub-region. This should not happen considering availability of modern family planning methods. Objectives: To determine the contraceptive prevalence, types of contraceptive used and factors affecting the latter amongst women attending infant welfare clinic at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). Methods: A cross sectional questionnaire survey of contraceptive prevalence amongst women attending the infant welfare clinic at UPTH. A systematic random sampling method was employed. Data collected was analyzed using SPSS version-11 and Microsoft Excel. Results: A total of 250 questionnaires were administered and 240 retrieved .The most commonly used contraceptive was the condom (28.4%). Majority (55.4%) of the respondents were aware of the oral contraceptive pill. About 41% of the respondents were informed of contraception via the health centres while the commonest reason for non -use was the fear of complications. Conclusion: The contraceptive prevalence rate amongst women attending the infant welfare clinic in the UPTH is low though higher than the national figure. Prompt education of eligible women and men on the use effectiveness of the most commonly used contraceptive should be encouraged. Keywords: Contraceptive prevalence, Women, Infant Welfare Clinic, Port HarcourtPort Harcourt Medical Journal Vol. 3 (1) 2008: pp. 42-48