Background: Postpartum contraceptive use is critical in preventing closely spaced pregnancies, reducing maternal and infant mortality, and improving reproductive health outcomes. This study examines the contraceptive behaviours of postnatal mothers in Karonmajiji and Lugbe, Abuja, focusing on demographic influences, family planning counselling, and contraceptive accessibility. The research aims to identify the key determinants of contraceptive uptake and the association between the contraceptive behaviour of women attending Primary Healthcare Centres in Abuja. Results will provide evidencebased recommendations for tailored interventions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using structured questionnaires administered to postpartum women in Karonmajiji and Lugbe Primary Healthcare Centres. Data on contraceptive history, future contraceptive intentions, timing of contraceptive initiation, counselling experiences, and socio-demographic factors were collected and analyzed from consenting
mothers. Descriptive statistical tests were used to compare findings between the centres, while insights were contextualized within existing global literature on postpartum contraceptive use. Results: Findings reveal significant variations in contraceptive behaviours between the two communities. Injectable contraception was the most commonly used method in both locations (23.3% in Karonmajiji, 16.3% in Lugbe), but a large proportion of women had never used contraception (46.6% in Karonmajiji, 53.1% in Lugbe). Future contraceptive intentions were higher in Karonmajiji (57.9%) compared to Lugbe (42.3%), where resistance to contraception was more pronounced. Family planning counselling played a crucial role, with 57.1% of Karonmajiji respondents engaging in discussions with healthcare providers, compared to only 30.4% in Lugbe. Factors such as marital structure (higher polygamy in Karonmajiji), education, employment, ethnicity, and religious beliefs influenced contraceptive adoption. Key barriers included fear of side effects, lack of partner support, misinformation, and economic constraints. Conclusion: The study highlights gaps in postpartum contraceptive uptake and the need for enhanced family planning interventions in both communities, particularly in Lugbe, where contraceptive use remains lower. Community-based counselling, improved contraceptive accessibility, and culturally sensitive engagement strategies are essential to increasing uptake. Strengthening healthcare services and leveraging digital health solutions can further bridge knowledge gaps and improve maternal health outcomes in Nigeria.
Jennifer, O. E., Arafath, A. M. Y., & Rauf, R. I. (2025). Postnatal Contraceptive Behaviour and Influencing Factors in Karonmajiji and Lugbe, Abuja: A Comparative Analysis. Journal of Women Health Care and Gynecology, 5(5). DOI: 10.59657/2993-0871.brs.25.093