Pattern of contraceptive use among women with sickle cell disease in Ibadan, South-west Nigeria.

A cross-sectional study was conducted at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria between January and April 2009. The purpose of this study was to determine the pattern of contraceptive use among females of reproductive age, with sickle cell (SC) disease, attending various clinics at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria. It is evident in this study that even although contraceptive awareness in this group of patients is high, the prevalence of contraceptive use is very low which is comparable with the general population. This is largely due to perceived fear of real and imagined side-effects associated with some contraceptive methods and also relative lack of access to commodity sources. It is therefore suggested that there is need for effective enlightenment and health education targeted at this vulnerable group of women to dissipate unreal fears about contraception. Also, the provision of a contraceptive-friendly environment, especially at various clinics attended by sickle cell disease patients, to facilitate their access to contraceptive commodities will go a long way to enhance their uptake of contraception while preventing unwanted pregnancies along with other benefits in this susceptible group of women. The need for child spacing as well as limiting family size among sickle cell disease patients cannot be over emphasised.