Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of Nigerians Towards Herbal Contraception: A Questionnaire- Based Study
John Eloyi Judith
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Raw Materials Development, Health Intervention and Quality Control Unit, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, NIPRD, Abuja, Nigeria and Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Raw Materials Development, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, NIPRD, Abuja, Nigeria and Center for Nanomedicine and Biophysical Drug Delivery, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, NIPRD, Abuja, Nigeria.
Oloye Temidayo Simisola
Department of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, Purdue University, USA.
Ekere Kokonne
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Raw Materials Development, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, NIPRD, Abuja, Nigeria.
Ajeh Johnson Isaac
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Raw Materials Development, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, NIPRD, Abuja, Nigeria.
Rashida Abdullahi
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Raw Materials Development, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, NIPRD, Abuja, Nigeria.
Olayemi Olubunmi
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Raw Materials Development, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, NIPRD, Abuja, Nigeria.
Ndiana-Abasi Sunday
Center for Nanomedicine and Biophysical Drug Delivery, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, NIPRD, Abuja, Nigeria.
Isimi Christianah Yetunde
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Raw Materials Development, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, NIPRD, Abuja, Nigeria.
Emeje Ochubiojo Martins *
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Raw Materials Development, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, NIPRD, Abuja, Nigeria and Center for Nanomedicine and Biophysical Drug Delivery, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, NIPRD, Abuja, Nigeria and Director General Office, Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency, NNMDA, VI, Lagos, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: With a population of about 222 million, which is expected to rise to 377 million making Nigeria the 3rd largest country in the world by 2050, a well-planned family will improve the quality of life of mother and child.
Methodology: A non-probability online survey was conducted (October 2021 and November 2021), recruiting 1113 participants across Nigeria. Socio-demographic data and information on contraceptives were obtained, and Pearson’s chi-squared test of independence at a 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed using R 4.2.1.
Results: Significant associations (P < .001) were found between age, marital status, education, and profession of respondents. About 44.65% were 15-29 years, while 41.2% were 30-34 years. No significant association was observed between the age group, gender, and the need for population control. Females (50.04%), 15-29 years old (66.48%) are more likely to approve of the need for population control. Likewise, females (22.01%), with tertiary education (18.78%) are well-informed about contraceptive use (P < .001). Only 19.38% (n = 184; P < .001) of participants used herbal contraceptives, in the form of liquid mixtures (55.98%), teas (17.93%), pills (12.50%), and powders (10.87%), with 26.63% > 7.61% > 6.52% > 5.98% = 5.98% = 5.98% > 4.89% > 3.80% who took Moringa, Alligator Pepper, Neem Plant, Castor Beans, African Star apple Momordica, Rosary Pea, and Horse-eye Bean respectively as contraceptives. Aged parents (32.07%), friends (31.52%), doctors (15.76%), herbalists (5.98%), pharmacists (5.43%), and nurses (3.80%) played a significant (P < .001) role in recommending these herbs. Furthermore, 76.37% recommended the development of indigenous herbal contraceptives in Nigeria, while 23.63% did not.
Conclusion: Although participants have expressed a preference for herbal contraceptives, knowledge of them is lacking, which calls for more awareness campaigns and policy formulations for their promotion, development, and adoption in Nigeria.
Keywords: Nigeria, family planning, conventional contraceptives, herbal contraceptives, population control.