KNOWLEDGE AND PATTERN OF CONTRACEPTIVE USE AMONG TEACHERS IN IBADAN NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OYO STATE

Abstract

The prevalence of contraceptive use in Nigeria is very low in spite of much effort to create awareness on the various contraceptive methods. The consequential high maternal mortality from many unintended pregnancies and illegal abortions indicates a large unmet need for contraceptive use. Several studies have been carried out on prevalence pattern and knowledge of contraceptive use among different professionals in Nigeria but studies among teachers is deficient. This study was carried out to determine the prevalence, knowledge and pattern of contraceptive use among teachers in Ibadan North Local Government area of Oyo State. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 male and female teachers of selected secondary schools in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State. Data on demographic characteristics, knowledge of contraceptives, and contraceptive practices were collected using self- administered semi - structured questionnaire. Knowledge was determined using a three item scale, and all three individual questions were explored with the dependent variable. Attitude on the other hand, was determined based on a 10-item scale and further categorized as good and poor attitude. An attitude score of 5 and below was considered ''poor attitude" while a score of above 5 was considered "good attitude" on a total cumulative scale of 8. Data was summarized using means, proportions, range and percentages. The association between dependent and independent categorical variables was determined using Chi square while independent predictors of knowledge and use was determine using logistic regression model at 5% level of significance. Mean age of the respondents was 38.2 ± 8.7 years. Females were 261 (65.2%) and majority 389 (97.2%) have heard of contraceptives source of which was mostly health personnel 189 (48.6). Two hundred and sixty eight (67.0%) reported ever using any form of contraceptive and 223 (55.8%) reported using contraceptive in the last 12 months. Majority 169 (75.8%) reported using modern contraceptive. The main reported purpose of contraceptive use was to delay child bearing, 132 (59.3%). Two hundred and sixty two (65.5%) reported they had spousal support to contraceptive use. 151 (37.8%) showed good attitude to contraceptive use. Gender (p=0.047), marital status (p=0.037) and having children (p=0.002) were significantly associated with contraceptive use in the last 12 months were significantly higher among those with good attitude towards contraceptive use 101 (66.9%). Contraceptive knowledge was high but usage in the last twelve months was low. Contraceptive usage can be improved by properly designed training and re-training of teachers on reproductive health issues especially contraceptives.