ABSTRACT
Introduction: Sexual and reproductive rights are vital and pertinent to the health and wellbeing of women throughout their life cycle. Most important among these rights is the acknowledgement that women should be able to make decisions on whether, when and how to reproduce. Contraception is one of the ultimate controlling factors of fertility and the most important predictor of fertility transition.
Objective: To investigate the views of Health providers regarding post-abortion and post-partum contraception in Benin City.
Methods: A descriptive cross- sectional study design was used in this study among health providers. Respondents were recruited into this study using a multistage sampling technique. Quantitative data was collected using a Structured questionnaire developed by the interviewer, data were analyzed with IBMSPSS version 22.0 and quantitative variables were expressed as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation. Qualitative data was through Focused Group Discussion (FGD).
Results: A total of 316 respondents participated in this study (comprising 300 respondents who participated in the quantitative study and 16 participants in the FGD). Majority of the respondents, 269(89.7%) had and overall good knowledge of contraception, which translated to an overall positive attitude toward contraceptive counseling, 283(94.3%) and good practice, 229 (76.3%).The14 commonest post-partum and post-abortion contraceptive provided was hormonal contraception. The most stated determinants of the provision of contraceptives were affordability, availability and willingness of the client to accept the prescribed contraception. The findings from the FGDs agree with the results of the quantitative study.
Conclusion: The study noted that the demand for contraception was more of a client based, than provider initiated. All concerned persons or organizations in reproductive health should ensure joint and united effort in improving the reproductive and sexual health of adolescents.
Keywords: Contraception, Health care providers, Post-partum, Post-abortion.
