Despite the high rate of childbirth among adolescents in developing countries, a study on the acceptance and utilisation of modern contraception among market women still remain low.
In a study, experts found none of the adolescent mothers currently using any modern contraception and none had any intention to use any but rather indicated a preference for traditional family planning methods.
The study, which involved adolescent mothers at the infant welfare clinic in the Primary Health Centre, Bodija market in Ibadan, indicated their preference for use of herbs and traditional contraceptive rings.
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The study set to access contraceptive use among adolescent mothers in Bodija market involved Owolabi O.I and Balogun F.M. It was presented on the sidelines of the 6th International Scientific Conference of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria.
According to the study, the adolescent mothers believed that modern forms of contraception are dangerous and a major concern was possible infertility as a side effect.
This low acceptance of modern contraception among adolescent mothers, they suggested, was perpetuated through intergenerational miss-information on family planning.
The researchers, however, suggested the need for advocacy targeted at market populations and further research on the mechanism of action for traditional methods, especially the herbs that are used.
The experts added that almost all childbirths among adolescents aged 15 to 19 years occur in developing countries, including Nigeria and they have an enormous unmet need for contraceptives and these results in repeated pregnancies.
Bodija market is known for its strings of socio-political and commercial networks and it is a repository for adolescent mothers who are engaged in various capacities.