Contraceptive Use, Unwanted Pregnancies and Abortions among Hairdressers in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria

Abstract

The study was conducted in Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria to determine prevalence and predictors of contraceptive use, unwanted pregnancies and induced abortions among hairdressers. 1687 female hairdressers were surveyed using a cross sectional design and cluster sampling technique. Mean age was 27.0±8.1 years, 851 (50.4%) were single and 1005 (59.6%) qualified hairdressers. 817 (56.8%) of sexually active were currently using contraception. Attainment of secondary school education was a predictor of contraceptive use; OR=1.4, 95% CI (1.1-1.8). 429 (29.8%) ever had an unwanted pregnancy; 26.5 % among singles, 32.3 % among married. Predictors of unwanted pregnancies were age >30years; OR=1.9, 95% CI (1.4-2.5) and being a qualified hairdresser; OR=1.6, 95% CI (1.2-2.2). 347 (24.1%) ever had an induced abortion; 21.5.0 % of singles, 26% of married. Being married; OR=5.2, 95% CI (2.2-11.9) was the only predictor of induced abortion. Prevalence of unwanted pregnancies and abortions were high especially among married hairdressers.

Keywords: apprentices; contraception; female hairdressers; induced abortion.