Contraceptive Preferences and Trends Among New Acceptors in a Southern Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

An Eight-year Review

Abstract

Introduction: The high total fertility and low contraceptive prevalence rates in Nigeria call for studies on the choice and pattern of acceptance of available methods of contraception. The main objective was to evaluate contraceptive choices, preference patterns, and trends among new acceptors in the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

Methodology: This was a seven-year review of secondary data of the demographic and obstetric characteristics and the contraceptive method administered to all new clients who presented in the family planning clinic.

Results: There were 1240 new clients with an age range of 14-46 years (mean 31.6 years ± 5.4SD). The majority were between 26 and 35years(66.8%), had Secondary education(57.0%), and with a parity of 4 and above(40.3%). Subdermal Implants were the most preferred method(50.6%) followed by intrauterine contraceptive devices(IUCD)(21.4%), while the hormonal injectable was least preferred(13.4%). There was a significant association between age (Χ² =42.9265, P value=0.001), level of education (Χ² =38.5583;P value<0.0001), parity(Χ² =76.8644, P value<0.0001) and choice of contraceptive method. The yearly trends fluctuate among methods with implants or IUCD predominating most years before Oral contraceptive pills and injectables.

Conclusions: Subdermal Implants was the most preferred contraceptive method followed by IUCDs among new acceptors. The predilection for long-acting reversible contraceptives among new clients is important for manufacturers and procurement officers to guide stock, while the clients constitute a population for further studies on the methods.