Socio-Demographic Determinants of Contraceptive Use and Discontinuation Due to Side Effects among Pregnant Mothers in Southwest Nigeria
Authors
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Medical Sciences/University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo City, Ondo State (Nigeria)
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Medical Sciences/University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital, Ondo City, Ondo State (Nigeria)
Department of Medicine and Surgery, Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, Oyo State (Nigeria)
Human Resources Department, University of Medical sciences Teaching Hospital Ondo, Ondo State (Nigeria)
State Specialist Hospital, Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State (Nigeria)
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal Teaching Hospital/Afe Babalola University, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State (Nigeria)
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Faculty Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State (Nigeria)
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State (Nigeria)
Article Information
DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI.2026.1303000193
Subject Category: Gynaecology
Volume/Issue: 13/3 | Page No: 2238-2247
Publication Timeline
Submitted: 2026-03-28
Accepted: 2026-04-03
Published: 2026-04-14
Abstract
Background: Understanding the contraceptive history of pregnant women is crucial for addressing unmet family planning needs and improving maternal health.
Objectives: This study describes the prevalence, types, and socio-demographic factors associated with contraceptive use and discontinuation among pregnant mothers in Ondo State, Nigeria.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 pregnant women attending antenatal care. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric history, and contraceptive use were collected via interviewer-administered questionnaires. Analysis involved descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression.
Results: The mean age of participants was 30.2 ± 6.1 years. Most were married (95.8%), Christian (80.5%), and had secondary or tertiary education (84.3%). Contraceptive prevalence before the current pregnancy was 67.3%. The most commonly used methods were oral contraceptive pills (24.0%), condoms (15.0%), and natural methods (10.8%). Side effects were experienced by 28.0% of users, with weight gain (15.3%) being the most common; 22.0% discontinued use as a result. Age was a significant predictor of use, χ2=32.85, p<0.001, and experiencing side effects. Women aged 35-44 had 3.49 times higher odds of reporting side effects compared to the 18-24 age group (95% CI: 1.23-9.91, p=0.018). Higher education and previous contraceptive use were protective against side effects.
Conclusion: Despite good knowledge and relatively high contraceptive prevalence, side effects remain a major cause of discontinuation. Targeted counseling and management of side effects, especially for older and less-educated women, are essential to improving contraceptive continuation.
Keywords
Contraceptive use, Contraceptive discontinuation, Side effects, Antenatal women, Nigeria
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