EXPERIENCE OF WOMEN CONTRACEPTIVE USERS IN AKURE LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ONDO STATE: IMPLICATIONS FOR SUBSEQUENT CHOICE AND COMPLIANCE

Abstract

This study is aimed at determining the contraceptive experiences of women contraceptive users in Akure Local Government Area of Ondo State and the degree to which these experiences have influenced their subsequent choice and compliance to contraceptive regimen. Akure Local Government Area currently has an estimated population of 1,856 contraceptive users in the nine government-owned family planning clinics. Using a combination of stratified and systematic random sampling techniques, 740 contraceptive users from seven family planning clinics from one urban and two rural settings in the Local Government Area was studied. A set of pre-tested questionnaires was administered. A total of 735 duly completed questionnaires was subsequently analysed. Results showed that Intra-Uterine Contraceptive Device (I.U.C.D.) is the method most commonly used followed by injectables and the pills. The major reason for the popularity was mainly due to their minimal side-effects. However, compared with other methods, the I.U.C.D. has the highest rate of compliance 224 (39.6%) and periodic abstinence has the lowest non-compliance rate 1 (0.6%). Furthermore, the majority of non-compilers who use injectables, 46 (27.2%), defaulted largely as a result of financial handicap and experiences of side-effects as compared to those who use I.U.C.D. who did not perceive a need for subsequent follow-up in the absence of problems or complaints. An overall compliance rate of 77.0% was recorded in respect of appointment keeping, use of contraceptives and strict adherence to instructions for all the methods. The highest number of non-compliers 42 (24.9%) and 41 (24.3%) were found among the 30-34 and 35-39 years age brackets respectively. The result shows that five variables significantly affect compliance with chosen method of contraception. These are: marital status, type of job performed, number of living children, experiences with first chosen method, conduciveness of clinic setting for privacy. Based on these findings, increased Individual client counselling at the clinic level and the creation of highly subsidised family planning service centres in the markets and public places are suggested.