IMPACT OF CONTRACEPTIVE USE AMONG MARRIED WOMEN ATTENDING ADEOYO MATERNITY TEACHING HOSPITAL, IBADAN, OYO STATE

Abstract

A situation of having too many pregnancies or too closely spaced pregnancy most especially at a very young age or at a very old age can take a toll on the woman’s health and that of her child thereby increasing the rate of maternal and infant mortality.This study was undertaken in Adeoyo Maternity Hospital, Yemetu Ibadan, to access the impact of contraceptive use among married women. Specific objectives of the study were to ascertain knowledge and attitude towards contraceptive use, to determine the extent of use and impact of contraceptive. Also to find out the most prevalent type of contraceptive use. A cross sectional survey that involved a total of One hundred and fifty two (152) married women systematically selected and issued questionnaires in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Child immunization Clinics in the hospital. An informed consent was given. Also an in-depth interview was conducted; they were questioned about various methods of contraception. Their knowledge about emergency contraception was also noted. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) program version 20 was used to analyse the data collected. In the study it was observed that 99.3% of the women had heard about contraception and various methods of contraception. Majority of the women knew about pills and condoms. Most of them came to know about contraception and various methods from the hospitals and watching the television advertisements and from family/friends. Most of the women opted for pills barrier method (male condom) and then injection Depo Provera. About 61% of the women knew about emergency contraceptive pill. About 74% have ever used a method and a few (35%) are currently using. Among users of contraceptive, about 55% of the women experience side effects which most of them complained about irregular bleeding and weight gain. The study highlights good knowledge and positive attitude of women regarding contraception. However this does not translate to the use of contraceptives. Responses also show that the use of contraceptive majorly has positive impact on the health of women and society at large. Based on the research findings, it was recommended that women should be provided with detailed and comprehensive information about the various methods available and they should be given a choice to choose the method of contraception n best suited to their needs, which will help improve the general health of the women and their children.