Profile of intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) acceptors at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Southern Nigeria

Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices are among the safest and most effective reversible contraceptives used worldwide. It is also the most effective emergency contraception and particularly suitable for women in developing countries as they are affordable, convenient and do not require frequent visits to the clinic. To review the profile and prevalence of intra uterine contraceptive device acceptors at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH). A 10 year retrospective review of all 814 clients’ records that accepted intrauterine contraceptive device in the family planning clinic of the hospital from 1^st January 2008 - 31^st December 2017. Data was extracted, coded and analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) IBM version 25.0 (Armonk, NY).There were 1893 contraceptive acceptors during the study period, out of which 814 (43%) accepted the IUCD, which was the highest compared to other contraceptives. Majority of the clients 762 (93.6%) were between the age range of 25-44 years, married 779 (96%), multiparous 512 (62.9%), Christians 779 (96%) and 805 (98.9%) had formal education with secondary level of education being the highest, 610 (74.9%). Clinical personnel were the commonest source of information, accounting for 634 (77.9%). Though the uptake rate of IUCD was the highest among the contraceptives in the family planning clinic during the study period, there is still need to improve on its uptake by creating more awareness including on its effectiveness as an emergency contraception.