Use and Discontinuation of Contraceptives Among Women of Reproductive Age in Port Harcourt

Background Contraceptive use and discontinuation as well as unexpected pregnancy and other demographic consequences, is a significant predictor of contraceptive prevalence, as it elevates the unmet need for family planning (FP) which in turn has an implication for FP services. This study sought to determine the prevalence of contraceptive use and discontinuation, the reasons for discontinuation and the association between contraceptive discontinuation and selected socio-demographic variables. Materials and Methods A community-based cross-sectional study of household survey was conducted using a mixed method design. A multi-stage sampling technique was utilised to select 321 women of reproductive age who has ever used a method of contraception for the quantitative aspect and purposive sampling method was utilised to select 32 participants for the qualitative aspect. Primary data was extracted from respondents using semi-structured questionnaire and a Focus Group Discussion guide. Quantitative data analysis was performed using SPSS version 25 and Chi-square test of association; qualitative data was analysed using NVivo 12. Results The prevalence of contraceptive use during this study was 9.97%. The prevalence of contraceptive discontinuation was 34.95% at 12 months, 40.83% at 24 months and 24.22% beyond 24 months. Method-specific prevalence of contraceptive discontinuation at 12 months was ovulation and withdrawal methods (44.44% each), Rhythm (33.33%), injectable (37.50%), pill (35.62%), condom (33.33%), Implant (30.56%) and IUCD (23.08%). The reasons given by the respondents for discontinuation was side effect. Conclusion The prevalence of contraceptive use was low and the prevalence of contraceptive discontinuation was high which indicates that contraceptive uptake and continuance is still an issue of concern. Age and marital status were found to be associated with contraceptive discontinuation and side effects was found to be the primary reason for contraceptive discontinuation.