Abstract

Background: Contraception is an important aspect of Public Health Worldwide however its prevalence in Nigeria is low (17%). Awareness of contraceptives is high in Nigeria, yet most women in their childbearing age do not use any form of contraceptives. This study investigated the psycho-cognitive factors that influence contraceptive use among married men and women in Akure South Local Government area (LGA), Nigeria.

Methodology: This study used a cross sectional design to select 231 respondents through multi-stage sampling technique in five selected basic health centres in Akure South LGA. The study population was married men and women in Akure South LGA. Two hundred and thirty-seven questionnaires were administered however 231 questionnaires were properly filled giving a response rate of 97.46%.

Results: Most of the males (60.8%) and females (73.2%) respondents had a good knowledge of contraceptives. Majority of the males (68.9%) and females (78.3%) respondents had a negative attitude towards the use of contraceptives. Majority of the males (70.3%) and females (81.5%) respondents had a high perception towards the use of contraceptive. There was no significant relationship (p >0.05) between psycho-cognitive factors and contraceptive use among the males (r = -.175, p = .137) and females (r =.085, p =.292) respondents.

Conclusion: The use of contraceptives can be predicted by their attitudes. This study recommends, reproductive health intervention programs aimed at educating on the use of contraceptives should be done regularly to improve their attitude towards contraception.

Keywords: Contraceptive, Psycho-Cognitive, Men, Women, Attitude