Knowledge and Beliefs Regarding Contraception among Married Women in Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria

Inadequate knowledge and misconceptions on contraception has sustained the low prevalence of contraceptive use in Nigeria over the years.

Aim: This study aims to assess the knowledge and beliefs regarding contraception among married women in Gwagwalada, Abuja, FCT.

Methodology: This was a descriptive survey that employed a cross sectional study design, and was carried out in Gwagwalada community, FCT, Abuja, Nigeria, between July– August 2017. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to 290 married women, aged 15–49 years, sampled by multi-stage sampling technique.

Results: Most of the participants were aged 25 – 29 years, with a mean age of 31.3 years (SD ; 7.3 years). Although 93% of the participants were aware of contraception, 46% of them had poor knowledge of its methods, side effects, and use. Age (p = 0.03), family setting (p < 0.000), education (p < 0.000), and religion (p = 0.007), were seen to be significantly associated to the level of knowledge. The participants were mostly aware of and willing to use male condoms, contraceptive injections, and implants. Eighty percent of the participants harbored misconceptions on effects of contraceptive use, with 23% believing it could lead to maternal death. Women that sought information through outreach programs from health care workers had fewer misconceptions than other participants, (p = 0.01). Fifty-nine percent of the participants were favorably disposed to contraceptive use, and reported their spouse to be the most important consideration when deciding on contraception.

Conclusion: Awareness does not always translate to good knowledge of contraception. There is need for broader pervasive outreaches to spread awareness, and promote health education interventions. These would increase understanding of contraception, and correct misconceptions. Furthermore, more intervention programs with adequate male involvement should be implemented to increase contraceptive uptake.