MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS REGARDING THE USE OF MODERN CONTRACEPTIVE METHODS AMONGST WOMEN AGED 18YEARS AND ABOVE

Abstract

There exist myths and misconceptions that influence women’s modern contraceptive choice some of them include: existence of traditional contraceptive methods, religious prohibition, cultural prohibition, and fear of side effects. Due to the high rate of unwanted pregnancies which could result from inadequate use of contraceptive methods, and the beliefs that hinder individuals from choosing a contraceptive method, hence the need to assess individual beliefs on modern contraceptives methods and to check if it has an influence on them using these methods.

Methods:

A hospital-based cross-sectional study design was used in this research. Administrative authorization from the Faculty of Health Sciences Department of Nursing, from the Regional Delegate of Public Health, and from the Regional Hospital Limbe. This research was carried out in the month of May 2021. 125 women participated in this study carried out in the Limbe Regional Hospital maternity and ANC unit, amongst women aged 18years and above. A random sampling method was used and a structured questionnaire was assigned to the women using the lottery method to recruit the participants to collect data. The SPSS software version 26 was used to analyze the data.

Results:

The results showed that 62 were of age 18-28years, 50 had attained university education, 118 were aware about contraceptives, 93 knew of condoms as Contraceptive methods and 45 used condoms as Contraceptive choice. 89 of women said that having many children was a way of extending family lineage, 69 agreed that contraceptives promotes promiscuity, 73 agreed that the pill will cause weight gain and cancer. Vagina rings and IUD causing infertility was agreed by 60 and 40 of the participants respectively. The chi square test was used and the p value was gotten to be 0.00001 which is statistically significant hence the alternate hypothesis was accepted which states that myths and misconceptions do not influence women of the Limbe Regional Hospital in choosing a contraceptive method

Conclusion:

Women aged 18 years and above had good knowledge and practice of modern contraceptive methods, and they had myths and misconceptions regarding modern contraceptive methods. Some of these are; contraceptives that promote promiscuity, pills that enhance weight gain and cancer development, intrauterine and device vagina rings cause infertility and condoms easily break during sexual intercourse.

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background

Contraception refers to the various ways in which one can prevent pregnancy by interfering with the normal process of ovulation, fertilization and implantation. It refers to the deliberate prevention of conception by using various drugs, techniques or devices known as birth control [1].

Contraceptive methods are often classified as either modern [barrier methods such as male and female condoms, diaphragm, cervical cap and sponge; hormonal contraceptives that include oral, injectable, transdermal, vaginal ring, and implants; intrauterine device (IUD)] or traditional [rhythm method (periodic abstinence), withdrawal (coitus interruptus), fertility awareness-based methods, emergency contraception and permanent methods includes things like female sterilization and vasectomy for men [2].

Attempts to control fertility have always depended on social factors. Research and religious beliefs have also played a large part in the provision or prohibition of contraception. Before the 20th century most references to contraception were linked to illicit sexual relations. It was not until the early 20th century that birth control became available for married couples [2].

However, there exist some myths and misconceptions that prevent individuals from using contraceptives some of which are;

Many believed that children are a gift from God hence no reason to interfere with the process of bringing forth children. Some believed in having many children to extend family linage. As such, they do not see reasons why they should use barriers to prevent pregnancy. More so, others believe that once a mother has had twins she should not end at it because it is abominable to have twin as

last-born children. In addition, some fear domestic violence, which may result from bearing few children.

Many believed that condoms could break or slip off easily. They also believed that there exist only one type of emergency contraceptives and that the contraceptives make you sick. The IUDs were believed to cause infections in the reproductive organs known as pelvic inflammatory disease in the first 3weeks after insertion. Also, it was believed that implants would move to the abdomen and would interfere with daily activities. The pills were believed to cause birth defects and cancer. All these affected the use of contraceptives.

According to Family health personnel in Cameroon, the nation’s proportion of contraceptives user’s as of 2019 is still well below 50%. Although it has steadily increased during the past years, very few women show interest in modern birth control options. Over the past decade, effective and serious measures have been put in place to promote maternal and child health via family planning programs that empower the family to make informed decisions regarding childbearing and to reduce unintended pregnancies.

In the developing world today, a woman’s decision to use contraceptive methods is impacted greatly by lack of knowledge and illiteracy, religious belief and fear of side effects. As opposed to the advanced nations where the use of contraceptives and type is guided by the woman’s health status. All this is due to the myth and misconception. Invalid in a study of 8 developing countries, 50%- 70% of women thought that using the pill posed considerable health risks. In Cameroon, most common myths and misconception includes the idea that use of modern contraceptive method like pills can cause sterility or result in other unexpected health problems. Others fear that their child might have disability because of modern contraceptive methods.

In 2013, an estimated 40% of pregnancies in Cameroon were unintended in fact; more than six in 10 women who want to avoid pregnancy either do not practice contraception or use a relatively ineffective traditional method (like the withdrawal method or periodic abstinence).

These women believe the modern contraceptive methods would rather destroy them rather than protect. In Cameroon today, Condoms are the most commonly used modern method; they are used by 46% of women practicing family planning and account for 68% of all modern method use. The injectable and the pill are used by 10% and 7% of women who want to avoid a pregnancy, respectively; fewer than 2% rely on sterilization, and similarly low proportions use IUDs or implants [3].

Despite the high efficacy of modern methods for preventing unintended pregnancies, a variety of factors explains the low use of modern methods in the country. Commonly cited reasons include infrequent or sexual activity, concerns about side effects, health risks, postpartum amenorrhea or breastfeeding, and costs.

1.2 Statement of problem:

Contraceptives are recommended for individuals who wish to avoid unplanned pregnancies. Despite the availability of several contraceptive methods, many individuals still do not practice it because of fear of side effects, myths and misconceptions and lack of knowledge.

Maternal and neonatal mortality rates are still on the rise especially in our developing world today. One factor associated with these increased mortality rates is the none use of family planning methods which results to high rates of unwanted pregnancies. Awareness should be created on contraceptive methods available as well as proper education on the different methods.

1.3 Research questions:

1. What is the level of knowledge on modern contraceptive methods among women aged 18years and above in the Limbe Regional Hospital?
2. What are the practices regarding the use of modern contraceptives among women aged 18 years and above in the Limbe Regional Hospital?
3. What myths and misconceptions influence the use of modern contraception among women aged 18 years and above in the Limbe Regional Hospital?