Reasons for non-use of family planning methods at Ilorin, Nigeria: male opposition and fear of methods

Abstract

This study reports the main reasons given for non-use of contraception by non-pregnant women aged 15-44 years, who are at risk of unplanned pregnancy and living in the Ilorin Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. Six hundred and forty-six women were derived from a stratified cluster sample and interviewed using a questionnaire. Almost one-third (31.4%) of respondents gave male opposition to family planning as the reason for current non-use. Another 13.3% expressed fear of methods, 6.3% did not want to use contraception until the first child was born, and 13.6% until the desired number of children were born. Sociodemographic variables including age, educational level, religion, and residence as reasons for non-use were reported. Other important findings included a high awareness of, low availability of, or poor accessibility to contraceptive methods. Short and long term intervention strategies using information, education and communication materials are proposed to combat low levels of contraceptive use in this area.

PIP: This study addresses the main reasons for non-use of contraception by non-pregnant sexually active females. A survey was carried out in Ilorin area of Nigeria where household units were randomly selected by using a clustering method sampling frame. Data was collected from personal interviews on 646 women. 79% of the women were between 20-39 yrs, 77% were Moslems, 67% had no formal education and 84% of the women were married. The average total fertility rate was 4.8 live births per woman, and a mean abortion rate of 1 per woman. All women reported to be knowledgeable on the use of contraceptives and the supply source, although only 27% of the women had previously used contraceptives. Reasons for non-use of contraceptives included 1) husband's rejection of contraceptive method, and 2) fear of method of contraceptives. Also a higher % did not use contraceptives until the first baby born. Thus it was proposed that long and short term methods needed to be used to combat non-use of contraception. A long term strategy should address the male perception of family planning and womanhood, whereas the short term strategy could address issues concerning the safety of contraceptives and dispel myths and negative rumors with regards to contraceptives.