Myths and misconception on contraception among women of reproductive age group in ogbomoso, southwest Nigeria

Background: Sexual behavior among women of reproductive age group is characterized by erratic, infrequent and unplanned sexual activities, a trend that exposes them to unwanted pregnancy. While sexual activity among young women begins early, contraceptive knowledge and usage remain low. Objective: To determine the existence of myths and misconceptions regarding contraception among various women of reproductive age group in Ogbomoso. Methodology: It was a cross - sectional descriptive study among consenting women of reproductive age group atOra Market, General Outpatient Department of General Hospital, and LAUTECH undergraduates with the use of a structured, pretested, interviewer administered questionnaire. Result: The mean age range of respondents was 27.9 + 6.98 years. Majority of the respondents (53.3%) have never used any form of contraception. The most commonly used method of contraception was male condom. There was high level of existence of myth and misconceptions about contraception in general. Significant proportion of the participants 23.3% and 30.7% thought that pills causes cancer and weaken the ovaries respectively. More than half (57.6%) of the participants alleged that using injectables for long period makes one not to conceive in future. Conclusion: There exist myths and misconceptions on various methods of contraception in our environment even among students and hospital patients. It may explain the reason for the high prevalence of unmet need on contraception in this country.