Contraceptive choices of married market women in a north central state of Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Understanding the contraceptive choices of women is important in planning intervention programs and drug supply. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the contraceptive choices of market married women in Jos, Nigeria and to determine why these choices were made. Method: A convenient sampling was used to recruit one hundred and twenty market women who voluntarily completed a pilot tested questionnaire. Data collected was analyzed using simple frequency tables, percentages and chi squared. Results: Findings revealed that 65% of respondents used various contraceptive methods with majority of them using condom (30.8%), followed by IUD and pills. Health worker were the main source of information about contraceptive methods and reasons for choosing contraceptive methods were convenience (47.4%), safety (26.9%) and affordability.(23.1%). Discussion: Prevalence of contraception was higher than the state estimate and education plays an important role in enhancing contraception choice. A null hypothesis tested at significant level of 0.05 suggested that educated market women are about 6 times likely to use a contraceptive method. Market women in the study population used mostly condom, IUD and pills. Conclusion: Prevalence of contraception among market married women in Jos is high and they mostly prefer condom because it is convenient, safe and cheap. Government intervention should focus more on less educated women. A study with a larger population is warranted to support this finding and further explore factors that influence contraception use in Jos.