Prevalence and Determinants of Intention To Use Modern Contraceptive Methods Among Postpartum Women In Selected Secondary Health Care Facilities In Ibadan

Abstract

Background: Women of reproductive age especially postpartum women are exposed to the risk of pregnancies. Contraceptive use during the postpartum period would reduce rates of maternal and infant mortality by preventing unplanned, unwanted pregnancies and by spacing new pregnancies at least two years after the previous birth. Methodology: A cross sectional survey was conducted among 444 postpartum women at selected secondary health care facilities at Ibadan, Nigeria, to determine prevalence and identify determinants of intention to use modern contraceptive methods. The study adopted a multi-stage random sampling technique. A semi-structured questionnaire was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and logistic regression. Results: Mean age of the postpartum women was 29.4 ± 5.1, 45.0% had tertiary education and 73.0% had ≤ 2 children. The proportion who reported the use of MCMs was 61.7%. The preferred MCMs used included male condom (52.3%), Intra uterine contraceptive device (11.7%), pill (11.0%), injectables (8.8%) and emergency contraception (8.8%). Reasons for non-use were fear of side effects (33.8%), desire to have more children (27.6%), husband’s disapproval (22.9%), previous negative experience (6.2%) faith/religion’s disapproval (5.2%) and friend’s disapproval (4.3%). Determinants of intention to use MCMs included having tertiary education (OR= 2.1, 95% CI =1.1-4.3) and having at least three children (OR=3.0, 95% CI=1.1-5.0). Conclusion: Prevalence of modern contraceptive use was high among postpartum women. Mother’s educational level and number of children were the key determinants of intention to use modern contraceptive methods. Intervention programmes should focus primarily on postpartum women with lower education levels and fewer numbers of children