Evaluation of Contraceptive Use Among Women of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria

Family Planning is a globally accepted approach to population control. Its effects though are yet to be felt as population explosion is still an issue in Nigeria. This study was aimed at evaluating the use of modern contraceptives among women of Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area who attend the Vinda Medical Centre. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was employed in carrying out this study in 2015. The respondents were 165 clients drawn from all areas maternal and child health clinic in Vinda Medical Centre. Information were gotten from respondent through questionnaire and interview method. A simple random sampling technique was adopted in the study.

It was found that respondents (94%) have high level of awareness of modern contraceptives, choice and acceptance largely affected by beliefs, availability and affordability. No significant association existed between the level of education of respondents and their choice of modern contraceptives. (x² = 17.267, df = 15, at P-value = 0.05). The level of awareness of modern contraceptives is satisfactory.

Findings show that most respondents 78(68.4%) choose Intrauterine Contraceptive device (IUCD), major reason given being the fact that it is affordable and available, and with less side effects with emphasis on weight gain. This is followed by implants 22(19.3%) and injectables 5(4.4%).

The average of children at which they begin contraception is 3.55, approximately 4 children.

Findings also showed that most of the respondents get the information about modern contraceptives from IPC (Family Planning Interpersonal Communication conductors) conductors, these are nurses and community health workers who go from houses, market areas, village meetings and organizations sensitizing women and men on the need to plan their family for happy and healthy living.

This is an implication for the nursing profession, as regards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, a need for Professional Nursing Education in Reproductive and Family Health and promotion of evidence-based nursing practice in this regard through researches.