Predictors of contraceptive method mix in the Cameroon development corporation plantation camps.

Introduction: low socioeconomic status is a risk factor for maternal death and contraceptive use has been shown to reduce maternal deaths in those poor settings. Despite the tremendous benefits of contraceptives in the regulation of reproductive health indicators, its use in less developed countries continue to remain unacceptably low. The purpose of this study was primarily to assess the contraceptive method mix and then determine the predictors of contraceptive use in the Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC) plantation camps.

Methods: mix sampling was used. Firstly, two CDC camp localities (Tiko and Pena Mboko) were purposively selected. Pre-existing clusters within these localities were then randomly selected and then eligible participants within the sampled clusters systematically selected. Using the main street junction as starting point, direction of sample collection was determined by spinning a plastic bottle. From the start of street junction and moving in direction of the bottle pointer, all households left to the principal investigator were visited in search of eligible participants which were sexually active women aged 15-49 years who gave consent/assent. One participant was selected per household. We used pretested interviewer-administered questionnaires that covered information on socio-demographic characteristics, reproductive health and contraceptive use. Statistical significance was set at p-value ≤ 0.05.

Results: six hundred and thirty four (634) sexually active women aged 15-49 years were included in the study; majority were 25-35 years (246; 38.8%). The current contraceptive prevalence was 63.1% [59.3-66.8] (400); of which 312 participants (78%) used a single method while 88 (22%) participants used contraceptives in combination. The most common methods in use were rhythm (196; 49%), male condom (109; 27.2%) and implants (63; 15.8%). When adjusted, statistically significant determinants for contraceptive use were age range and marital status such that odds of using contraceptives was lower in women < 35 years and those cohabiting (AOR= 0.71 [0.50-1.00] and AOR=0.62 [0.44-0.87] respectively).

Conclusion: current contraceptive practice in the CDC plantation camps is geared toward less effective traditional methods than the more effective modern methods. More health education is needed to adjust this paradigm.