Abstract

The study was carried out to ascertain the trends in contraceptive usage at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria between 1st June, 2003 and 31st May, 2006. It was a retrospective study. There were 2,917 contraceptive users and 21,212 maternity attendees during the study period giving the contraceptive prevalence rate of 13.8%. A decline in the prevalence rate from 18.6% in the first year to 8.8% in the last year of the study period was observed. Barely half (51.32%) of the contraceptive users were in the age group 30 to 39 years and 1.44% were less than 20 years. Majority (80.16%) of the users has had three or more deliveries while 0.61% were nulliparas. The most preferred contraceptive was intrauterine contraceptive device (36.03%), followed by male condom (34.49%), injectables (23.28%), combined oral contraceptive pills (3.74%), and implants (2.09%). Bilateral tubal ligation (0.34%) and vasectomy (0.03%) were uncommon. The common sources of information about contraception among users were health personnels (36.30%), radio (14.71%), television (10.39%), friends / relatives (7.47%) and print media (7.20%). It is evident from this study that contraceptive usage has reduced at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital family planning clinic. A regular awareness campaign programme on contraceptive utilization in the community is recommended.

Key words: Ilorin, Nigeria, recent trends, contraceptive usage, contraceptive users.