Contraceptive choice of women in Akure, Western Nigeria.

Background: Contraceptive choice in Nigeria differs from one region to the other for various reasons.Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the choice of contraception among our women and the factors responsible for this.Study design/Setting/Methods: It was a cross-sectional descriptive study involving 400 family planning clients who attended the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, Western Nigeria between July and December 2012 using self administered questionnaires. Main Outcome measured: Awareness of contraception, Source of information about contraception, Choice of contraception and the reasons for the preferred choice.Results: All the 400 clients responded. Majority were in the age bracket of 30-39years (53.1%), many had post secondary education (50%). A significant number were aware of contraception with their health care providers being their major source of information (X2=417.590, P=0.005). Among the respondents, 375(94.6%) have used one form of contraception or the other and the preferred choice of contraception was the intrauterine contraceptive device (Copper T) in 84% of the clients.Conclusion: The intrauterine contraceptive device (Copper T) is the commonest choice of contraception among women in Akure, Western Nigeria, and the reasons for their choice include its cost effectiveness, less side effects, husband's wish and that it is easy to use.Key words: Contraceptive awareness, Source of information, Choice of contraception, reasons for preferred choice