Perception and uptake of contraception among health workers in Ile-Ife, South-western Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: This study was carried out to assess the perception of health workers towards contraceptive methods, determine the proportion of health workers using modern contraceptive methods and identify factors influencing their contraceptive practice. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive survey of 300 practicing nurses in the health facilities within Ile-Ife, Nigeria was done using pre-tested, self-administered semi-structured questionnaires. Results: Most of the respondents were less than 30years, married, multiparous and had practised for more than 2years. Prevalence of modern contraceptive use was 75.2%. Knowledge of contraceptives was poorest for injectables and oral contraceptive pills (32% each). Twenty six percent of respondents believed that contraception should be limited to women who had completed their families, while 32.4% were either uncertain or disagreed with the safety of contraceptives. The commonest method used was the condom, though contraceptive choice varied with cadre of staff. Desire for another pregnancy was the main reason for discontinuing contraception (51.2%). Older age, religion and marriage positively influenced contraceptive use. Conclusion: Knowledge and perception of contraception among nurses in Ile-Ife is relatively poor. Ensuring accurate information on contraception among this target group of health workers is an important step towards achieving success in the national family planning programme.