Oral Contraceptive Pills: Socio-demographic Characteristics of Acceptors at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Oral Contraceptive Pills (OCPs) are the most widely prescribed form of hormonal contraception both in developed and developing countries. They are also the most popular non-surgical method of contraception. Objective: To determine the prevalence rate and socio-demographic characteristics of oral contraceptive pills acceptors at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), Port Harcourt. Methods: A 10 year review of all clients who accepted oral contraceptive pills in the family planning clinic of the hospital from 1st January, 2008 to 31st December, 2017. Data was extracted, coded and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) IBM version 25.0 (Armonk, NY). Results: There were 1893 contraceptive acceptors during the study period, out of which 86 (4.5%) accepted the oral pills. Majority of the clients 66 (76.8%) were between the age range of 20 to 34, married 82 (95.3%), multiparous 48 (55.8%), Christians 82 (95.3%) and 82 (95.3%) had formal education. Clinical personnel were the commonest source of information on the use of oral contraceptive pills, accounting for 36 (41.8%). Conclusion: Oral contraceptive pills are methods of contraception used by young, multiparous and educated women. Only 4.5% of the women accepted OCPs during the study period therefore concerted efforts should be made to improve its uptake in the family planning clinic.