Publication:

Unmet needs, knowledge of contraception and self- reported barriers to contraceptive use among women of reproductive age in Osun State, Nigeria

Background Unmet need for contraception has been a focus in addressing the high fertility rate, especially in developing countries such as Nigeria. The concept of unmet need implies the gap between women’s reproductive intentions and their contraceptive behaviour for family planning. This study assessed the knowledge and unmet need for contraception, including self-reported barriers to contraceptive use among women of reproductive age in Osun State, Nigeria.

Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 1,218 women of reproductive age. The respondents were recruited using a multistage sampling technique. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire and an FGD guide, respectively, and data were analysed using SPSS version 23.0.

Results The mean age of respondents was 31 years (S.D 7.24 years). The unmet need for contraception among respondents was 36.2%. About 70% of respondents were able to list 1-2 methods of contraception, and 12.3% were able to describe the fertile period. Overall, 67.6% of respondents had good knowledge of contraception, 93.6% knew the correct use of OCP, 41.0% knew the correct use of injectables, and 35.1% knew the correct use of implants. About a quarter (23%) of respondents reported fear of side effects as a barrier to contraceptive use.

Conclusions This study found a high level of unmet need for contraception among women of reproductive age in Osun State compared to the national average, even though there was good knowledge of contraceptives among respondents. Policymakers can strengthen family planning programs by understanding and using data on unmet need.