OBJECTIVE

To study the choice of contraceptive usage and the factors responsible for such choices in northern Nigeria.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study.

METHODS

Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Nigeria.

METHODS

New clients attending the reproductive health centre.

METHODS

Choice of contraceptive, reason for choice, knowledge and source of knowledge about contraceptives.

RESULTS

Four hundred and eighteen clients were interviewed. Three hundred and seventy two (89%) knew at least one method of contraception; 50.7% used injectable contraceptives, 22.5% intrauterine contraceptive devices, 13.9% Norplant and 10.3% oral contraceptive pills. One hundred and forty four (34.5%) were referred by midwives and 25.6% by other nurses.

CONCLUSIONS

The most commonly used contraceptive in our environment is the injectable method.