A Qualitative Analysis of Contraceptive Use and Barriers to Uptake among Antenatal Clinic Attendees at a Tertiary Hospital in Port Harcourt, Southern Nigeria

Background: The use of modern contraceptives has been identified as one of the most cost-effective public health interventions for reducing fertility, improving maternal and child health outcomes, avoiding pregnancy and lowering maternal and child morbidity and mortality rates.

Aim: This study aimed at exploring the views of pregnant women attending the antenatal clinic (ANC) at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) on their use and barriers to contraceptive use.

Study Design: Qualitative study.

Methodology: A qualitative research design was used to collect data from pregnant women attending UPTH antenatal clinic. Four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in August, 2021 with each group having 10 pregnant women. A total of 40 participants were purposely recruited from the antenatal clinic attendees every week. The interviews were audiotaped, transcribed and subjected to thematic analysis with the aid of NVivo 12.

Results: The FGDs revealed that many of the women used contraceptives mostly to prevent unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and for child spacing, while traditional methods (withdrawal, unproven concomitant mixtures and herbs) were in high use more than modern methods. The study also identified that the major barrier to contraceptive use among the women was fear of side effects while others included religion, misconception about contraceptives, search for a particular sex of child, partner’s disapproval and financial constraints.

Conclusion: Findings from this research confirm that traditional methods enjoyed more use than modern contraceptive methods. Fear of side effects was the main barrier to modern contraceptive uptake among the pregnant women. Hence, the need to intensify efforts towards enlightening the populace on the types, uses and benefits of modern contraceptives as well as making them more affordable and accessible.