Prevalence, pattern and determinants of contraceptive use among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic (ANC) in a secondary health facility in Kebbi State: a cross-sectional study

INTRODUCTION: rapidly rising population in Africa is of great concern, especially in Nigeria because of its impact on social stability. Nigeria has been unable to meet the set targets in respect of scaling up access to contraception, and increasing contraceptive prevalence. Thus, being projected to be the third most populous country by 2050 amidst a rising unemployment rate and a shrinking economy. METHODS: a cross-sectional study was conducted among 350 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic (ANC) in General Hospital Argungu, Kebbi State, and data were obtained using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed using IBM SPSS version 22. RESULTS: most 318 (90.9%) of the 350 respondents were aware of contraception. The prevalence of previous use of contraceptives among the respondents was 59.4%, while 70% of them intend to use contraception in the future. Concerns about the return of fertility 56 (50.9) after contraceptive use was a major reason given by respondents who had never used any form of contraceptive. Educational attainment, age at marriage, and occupation were the factors that were associated with awareness, previous use, and future use of contraception. CONCLUSION: this study underscores the need to promote girl-child education as a cardinal strategy in increasing the level of contraception among the populace.