Knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards contraception amongst community pharmacy staff: a cross-sectional study in Nigeria

Obi Peter Adigwe ^* Godspower Onavbavba

• National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Abuja, Nigeria

Introduction: Lack of access to effective methods of contraception can increase the prevalence of unintended pregnancies, alongside possible deleterious health consequences. Community pharmacies represent essential points for population access to contraceptives. They have also been identified as a useful resource in supporting counselling services to the public. This study aimed at assessing the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of community pharmacy staff towards contraception.A cross-sectional study was undertaken in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria.Data were collected from 315 community pharmacy staff using self-administered questionnaires. The participants' knowledge and attitude scores were categorised using Bloom's cut-off point. Analyses were undertaken using Statistical Package for Social Sciences.The data were analysed using frequency distribution, chi-square, and linear regression at a 5% level of significance.Results: Male participants in the study (165/315, 52.4%) were slightly higher than the female respondents (150/315, 47.6%), and about two-thirds of the study cohort were pharmacists (200/315, 63.5%). The majority of the participants (183/315, 58.1%) had poor knowledge of contraceptives use. A quarter of them (81/315, 25.7%) reported moderate attitudes. Almost all the participants (279/298, 93.6%) indicated recommending contraceptives for married adults, and a significant proportion of them (136/292, 45.5%) were opposed to recommending contraceptives for unmarried adolescents. Knowledge was significantly influenced by age (p=0.001). Also, position was also seen to significantly influence the knowledge of the study respondents towards contraceptives (p<0.001)Findings from this study revealed poor knowledge and negative attitudes of community pharmacy staff towards contraception. Government and relevant stakeholders can build on these novel findings in reforming pertinent contextual policies and practices. This can significantly improve access to contraceptives amongst the populace, and consequently reduce unintended pregnancies alongside possible health and societal implications.