title: Contraceptive practice, unwanted pregnancies and induced abortion in Southwest Nigeria.
abstract: Despite widespread awareness of and access to modern contraception, high rates of unwanted pregnancies and abortions still persist in many parts of the world, even where abortion is legally restricted. This article explores perspectives on contraception and abortion, contraceptive decision-making within relationships, and the management of unplanned pregnancies. It presents findings from an exploratory qualitative study based on 17 in-depth interviews and 6 focus group discussions conducted in 2 locations in Nigeria in 2006. The results suggest that couples do not practice contraception consistently because of perceived side effects and partner objections. Abortion is usually resorted to because pregnancy was unwanted due to incomplete educational attainment, economic hardship, immaturity, close pregnancy interval, and social stigma. Males usually have greater influence in contraceptive-decision making than females. Though induced abortion is negatively viewed in the community, it is still common, and women usually patronise quacks to obtain such services. An abortion experience can change future views and decisions towards contraception. Family planning interventions should include access to and availability of adequate family planning information. Educational campaigns should target males since they play an important role in contraceptive decision-making.
authors: Department of Demography and Social Statistics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. akomid2000@yahoo.com
authors: Adekunbi Kehinde
authors: AK
authors: Omideyi
authors: Akanni Ibukun
authors: AI
authors: Akinyemi
authors: Olabisi Idowu
authors: OI
authors: Aina
authors: Adebanjo Babalola
authors: AB
authors: Adeyemi
authors: Opeyemi Abiola
authors: OA
authors: Fadeyibi
authors: Samson Olusina
authors: SO
authors: Bamiwuye
authors: Catherine Abiola
authors: CA
authors: Akinbami
authors: Amechi
authors: A
authors: Anazodo
mesh_terms: D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003268:Contraception Behavior; D003657:Decision Making; D005193:Family Planning Services; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009549:Nigeria; D011247:Pregnancy; D011275:Pregnancy, Unwanted / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012737:Sex Factors; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology*