Prevalence and pattern of contraceptive uptake among adolescents in an internally displaced camp, North Central, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Internally displaced Persons are marginally sidelined in many areas of life , reproductive health issues inclusive. There is a need to know the prevalence and pattern of contraceptive use among this vulnerable group of people. Objective: This study determined the prevalence and pattern of contraceptive uptake among internally displaced adolescents in North-Central Camp, Abuja, Nigeria. Methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study, among 403 adolescents using semi-structured questionnaires. Results:The mean age of the respondents was 19.53±6.4 years and 21.34 ± 7.34 years at first birth. Awareness about FP was high, (483, 95.0%), however, only 169 (41.9%) ever used a family planning method, while 82(20.3%) were current users, 72 (42.6%) of the 169 ever users admitted to have used pills, while 44(53.7%) of the 82 current users were using condom only. One third, 160(39.7%), were pregnant, while 78(19.4%) of those pregnant were unintentional, therefore the unintended pregnancy rate was 19.4%.Bivariate analysis revealed that respondents’ use of contraceptive was significantly related to religion (<0.001), ethnic group (<0.001), marital status (<0.001), family type (<0.001), and educational attainment (<0.001). While respondents’ knowledge of contraceptive was significantly associated with age (P<0.00000001), educational level (P< 0.002), and ethnic group (P <0.001).Conclusion: The prevalence of contraceptive use among respondents was 20.3%, while 41.9% ever used a method. Pill was the major Family planning method ever used, while condom was mostly used by the current users.