Contraceptive practice in a teaching hospital in south-east Nigeria

During the study period of 31 months (1 November 1994-31 May 1997), the sociodemographic characteristics of 200 women attending the family planning clinic of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH) Nnewi, South East Nigeria were studied. The peak age group of the family planning acceptors was 31-35, constituting 82 (42%) of the study population. Women of parity 5-7 constituted 99 (49.5%) of the study population; 66 (33%) women sought contraception less than 4 months after delivery and 120 (60%) within 1 year of delivery; 104 (52%) were still breastfeeding at time of visit; 120 (60%) had never used any form of contraception. The intrauterine contraceptive device was the most popular method, being chosen by 128 (64%) women, while only five (2.5%) women accepted bilateral tubal ligation. One hundred and eight (54%) women wanted more children in future. Most of the patients acquired knowledge of family planning through clinic personnel (nurses). The contraceptive prevalence rate in relation to deliveries at the hospital over the period of study was only 12.8%. There is a need for increased awareness on the availability and benefits of family planning on child spacing, family health and ultimately population control and society health.