Despite the introduction of birth control methods to mitigate these challenges in reduction of maternal mortality had not been encouraging in Nigeria. This study assessed dynamics of the use, preference and determinant factors of birth control methods among women within reproductive age in an urban metropolis. Previous studies on contraceptive use have focused on the use and in some cases the preference of contraceptive use among women, however little is known about the determinant factors that influence the use and preference of birth control methods among female teachers of reproductive age.
One hundred and seventy three secondary school teachers who are within child bearing age were interviewed through multi-stage random sampling technique. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analyzing the data collected through administration of questionnaires.
Results of analysis shows that majority of the respondents in the study area were between the ages of 30 and 50 years (79.8%), Yoruba (82.1%), Christians (75.1%), married (87.3%) and had university education (56.6%). Respondents had high knowledge of the following birth control methods: abstinence (49.7%), male condom (41.6%), withdrawal (40.5%), IUCD (35.8%), injectables (35.3%), safe period (34.1%) and diaphragm (32.4%). The most common method used among female secondary school teachers was the withdrawal method (34.7%) and condom (34.7%), followed by safe period (28.3%) and then abstinence (21.9%) as their birth control measures. Among respondents, the most preferred method is diaphragm (16.8%), followed by birth control sponge (14.5%), spermicide (13.9%), injectables (13.3%) and vasectomy (13.3%). Respondents stated that these methods were preferred but not used due to cost and affordability. Reasons for their choice of birth control methods include convenience (47.4%), medical advice (36.9%), effectiveness (35.8%) and reversibility (26.6%). Result of analysis shows that relationship exists between educational attainment and use of birth control methods in the study area. (x2= 6.550, p= 0.014)
The study therefore concludes that female secondary school teachers in urban area had high levels of knowledge and use of birth control methods which their age and educational attainment determined their level of use. However, preference was not same as use due to affordability. More awareness campaign on birth control methods and its advantages should be carried out in the study area and policy on subsidizing the birth control cost should be considered.