Reasons for contraceptive discontinuation

Reasons for contraceptive discontinuation at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria, Northern Nigeria: Hauwa Shuaib Umar, Hajaratu Umar



Archives of International Surgery 2018 8(3):108-112



Background: Despite the low uptake of contraceptive methods in Nigeria and the associated obstetric and medical complications of high birth rate, some of the clients still find reason to discontinue the methods. To determine the reasons for discontinuation of contraceptive methods among clients at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika-Zaria.

Patients and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study of clients attending the reproductive health clinic of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, from January to June 2013. Structured questionnaires were administered to consented clients. Information obtained included the following: sociodemographic data, gynecological history, history of contraception, and reasons for discontinuing a contraceptive method. Data were analyzed using Minitab version 15.

Results: Majority of the respondents were multiparous, within the age group of 20–29 years, with tertiary education and civil servants. Most of the respondents, 161 (53.3%), had used a contraceptive method before, mostly injectables 64 (40%). In total, 100 clients (62.5%) were still on their methods of choice, whereas 61 (37.8%) had discontinued, giving a discontinuation rate of 37.9%. Majority, 26 (42.6%) discontinued due to reduced need for the method (mostly to conceive), whereas 22 (36.1%) discontinued due to method problems (mostly menstrual problems). Others had no known reason 6 (9.8%), not interested 6 (9.8), and 1 (1.6%) had failure of the method. Clients aged 30–34 years and only Quranic education were more likely to have unmet need for contraceptive use.

Conclusion: There is need for effective counseling, education on side effects, and health concerns regarding modern contraceptive methods.