FACTORS INFLUENCING USE OF CONTRACEPTIVES AMONG THE NON-TEACHING STAFF OF COLLEGE OF MEDICINE, UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN

Abstract

The Nigerian population continues to increase despite the introduction of family planning services as a means of curbing population growth rate in the country. Although several studies have identified barriers to effective use of contraceptives, major emphasis has been placed on the role of women. However, there are few of these studies that focused on public servants working in tertiary institutions. Therefore this study identified factors influencing use of contraceptives among non-teaching staff of the College of Medicine, University of lbadan, The study was descriptive and involves the use of both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection to obtain information on knowledge and pattern of use of contraceptives. A semi-structured self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain data. Eight Focus Groups Discussions (FGDs) were conducted among male and female respondents. The FGD themes provided detailed information on factors influencing choice of contraceptives. Of all the 500 members of staff invited to participate in the study, 80 members participated in 8 focus group discussions while only 371 (88.3%) consented to administer questionnaire and returned. Quantitative data analysis was done using Inferential Statistics while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Respondents included senior (56.9%) and junior (43.1%) staff that had worked in the College for between one and thirty-five years. Respondents mean age was 42.4 years (±9.21). Most were males (62.6%) of Yoruba origin (89.8%). More than three-quarter were married (84.1%) and belonged to a monogamous marriage (78.2%). A large majority (91.1%) correctly defined family planning. Of the 98.1% that were aware of family planning only 67.1% had ever used any method. Previous use of contraceptives is significantly higher among those aged 40-49 (76.9%) (P<0.05) and senior staff (75.8%) (P>0.05). Condom (65.8%) ranked the highest of the well-known contraceptives. Sources of information on contraceptives include electronic media (43.2%), health institutions (23.5%). friends/family (14.6%), print media (11.8%), and religious organization. Slightly, more male (62.2%) than female (60%) reported use of contraceptives. However, more females (60.4%) than males (46.1%) had visited a clinic for the purpose of receiving the service. The chemist shops (85.4%) was the most patronized outlet for obtaining contraceptives. The couple (93.4%) was identified as responsible for making decision on use of contraceptives. Factors influencing choice of facilities reported by respondents include cost (37.0%), privacy (17.5%), availability of different methods (10.5%), attitude of health workers (4.6%), and accessibility at all times (2.4%). Current contraceptive use is common among males (74.6%), those aged 30-39, (60.2%) and senior staff (70.6%). The preferred methods include condom (28.6%), withdrawal (8.1%), safe period (7.0%) and IUCD (6.7%). In addition, FGD discussants identified cost, side effects and perceived effectiveness as factors influencing choice of contraceptives use. Similarly, reasons stated for not using any contraceptive include not being married; need to have more children, religion and attainment of menopausal age. There was low contraceptives use among women of childbearing age and junior members of staff. This informs the need to intensify effort to improve coverage of contraceptives through effective health education strategies and government intervention such as subsidies on contraceptives and creation of more users' friendly outlets.