Effects of targeted health education on uptake of contraceptives among women of reproductive age in Nnewi-city, South-East Nigeria
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Date
2025-02
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Kenyatta University
Abstract
Contraceptive use is critical for reproductive health, yet uptake remains low in Nigeria due to barriers such as lack of awareness, cultural beliefs, and misconceptions about side effects. This study assesses the impact of targeted health education on contraceptive uptake among women in Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi. Utilizing a randomized controlled trial design, 275 women were assigned to either an intervention group, which received a 60-minute educational session on contraceptive methods, or a control group. Data was collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires before and two weeks after the intervention. The findings revealed a significant increase in contraceptive uptake among the intervention group, rising from 41.1% to 87.1%, compared to a modest increase in the control group from 41.5% to 49.6%. From study findings, the intervention effectively improved knowledge and perceptions of contraceptives, addressing key barriers such as low awareness, misconceptions about side effects, and religious concerns. Approval for contraceptive use increased significantly in the intervention group, with 86.4% expressing approval post-intervention, compared to 72.6% in the control group. The p-value of 0.014 suggests that the intervention positively influenced participants' approval of contraceptive use. Factors associated with higher contraceptive use included younger age, higher education levels, formal employment, and marital status. This study underscores the importance of targeted health education in enhancing contraceptive uptake. Integrating such educational interventions into public health strategies can significantly improve reproductive health outcomes in settings similar to Nnewi, Nigeria. It is recommended to educate the health workers to know the esssence of targeted health education on the uptake of contraceptives. Increasing identical health education interventional approaches to enhance utilization of contraceptives in Nigeria where there is low utilization. Health education interventions should be integral to public health strategies to improve contraceptive uptake. Tailored educational programs addressing specific misconceptions, barriers, and cultural sensitivities can significantly enhance reproductive health outcomes. Further study is required to understand the complex relationship between religious beliefs and contraceptive use. Studies should aim to identify effective ways to provide culturally sensitive education that respects religious beliefs while promoting reproductive health.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the degree of doctor of philosophy in Public Health (Reproductive Health) in the school of health sciences of Kenyatta University, February 2025
Supervisors:
Dr. Eliphas Gitonga
Prof. Rosebella A. Iseme