PERCEPTIONS OF MARRIED WOMEN ON THE USE OF CONTRACEPTIVE PILLS IN MINNA METROPOLIS

Abstract

The current prevalence rate for contraceptive use in Nigeria is very low in spite of the high rate of sexual activity and widespread awareness of the various contraceptive methods among Nigerian couples. As a result there are many unintended pregnancies and illegal abortions contributing to a high maternal mortality ratio, which seems to indicate a large unmet need for contraceptive use. The research was conducted among married women in Minna metropolis. Multi stage sampling techniques was adopted for the study, 100 questionnaires were administered on women currently married.Seven FGD sessions with 56 women and nine IDI sessions with the heads of health facilities were conducted.The findings of the study revealed that; high level of awareness on contraceptive use among women.The study showed the higher the level of education of a woman the more her usage of contraceptive. Majority of the couples have negative attitude towards contraceptive use based on negative consequence of modern contraceptives. It also revealed that religious belief and economic status are major determinant factors that influence contraceptive use. The study recommends that the awareness programmes should emphases on reducing fear of women on the consequence of contraceptive. The government and development partners should subsidize the cost of contraceptive in public health centres and men as husband should support and encourage their wives to accept and use contraceptive in family planning.