ABSTRACT
Background: Contraception is a key measure at the primary level of prevention of maternal mortality and morbidity. It is an important tool for pregnancy spacing, limiting and timing for prevention of adverse perinatal and maternal health outcomes. Objective: contraceptive practice as a means of preventing unintended pregnancy was assessed among Nigerian women attending prenatal care. The findings were to contribute in defining the current contraceptive practices in the country, proffer suggestions for reproductive health planning and services. Method: This was a cross-sectional study of 701 prenatal clinic attendees at a missionary Hospital in Benin-city, Nigeria. Structured pretested questionnaire was administered to each consenting client. Database was raised on relevant information and analyzed, setting the level of statistical significance at p-value <.05 Results: Approximately 89% of the respondents demonstrated awareness of modern contraception, about 66% ever used a modern contraception and only a minority 24.1% was using it just prior to the index pregnancy. Leading sources of information were mass media, friends/peers, school and hospital in that order. The most used methods were male condom (54.8%) and pill (21.8%). About three fifths (56.2%) of the respondents have had at least a premarital termination of unintended pregnancy. More than 71% of previous users and approximately 42% of nonusers were willing to uptake a method of modern contraception in postpartum. Women empowerment; education, quality employment and social class significantly influenced contraception use (P<.05). Key barriers to use of modern contraception were fear of unpleasant side effects, socio-cultural and religious concerns. Conclusion: There was a wide gap between contraceptive awareness and utilization, a large unmet need of contraception among the prenatal attendees. A renewed concerted contraceptive campaign is advised.