Effect of counseling on contraceptive uptake in Nigeria

Abstract

Despite multiple options for contraception, choices are limited with low satisfaction among clients in low resource countries. Effective counseling may improve satisfaction and compliance if adequately pursued. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of counseling on contraceptive choices and its associated factors. This was a prospective, descriptive study involving consenting family planning clients at the family planning clinic of a tertiary hospital in Ilorin, Nigeria. All participants completed an interviewer administered questionnaire designed for the study. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21.0 (IBM, USA) and p value <0.05 was significant. Among the 260 participants, the mean age was 30.3±5.7 years, mean parity 3.0±1.0 and modal age 20–39years (93.5%). The commonest preferred contraceptive pre- and post-counseling was intrauterine device (36.5% vs. 53.5%); increased post-counseling desire was reported for injectables (28.8% vs. 35.4%) and implant (0% vs. 3.1%). Preferences increased post-counseling for highly effective methods (38.1% vs. 60.4%; p<0.0001), long term methods (38.1% vs. 60.4%; p<0.0001) and permanent methods (1.5% vs. 3.8%; p<0.001). Significant predictor of contraceptive choice precounseling was level of education (p=0.032) and parity (p<0.001) post-counseling. The study shows that counseling can improve choices, encourage satisfaction and possibly enhance compliance among contraceptive clients.Journal of Medical and Biomedical Sciences (2017) 6(3), 1 - 6