A Survey on Prevalence and Knowledge of Family Planning among Women of Childbearing Age in the Provincial Settings of the Gambia: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study

Table 3

Knowledge of benefits and side effects of contraceptives.

Variables	Frequency	Percent
Contraceptives are beneficial (n = 481)
Yes	430	89.4
No	51	10.6
Benefits of contraceptives (n = 430)
Child spacing	368	85.6
Prevention of unwanted pregnancy	257	59.8
Limit family size	135	31.4
Prevention of STIs	77	17.9
Enhance/improve family economic status	73	17.0
Increase sexual pleasure	29	6.7
Reduce overpopulation	1	0.2
Contraceptives are harmful or have side effects (n = 481)
Yes	283	58.8
No	190	39.5
I do not know	8	1.7
Harmful/side effects of contraceptives (n = 283)
Amenorrhea	139	49.5
Irregular menses	118	42.0
Weight gain	109	38.8
Heavy menses	107	38.1
Secondary infertility	88	31.3
Weight loss	34	12.1
Extramarital affairs	23	8.2
Condom burst/spillage	11	3.9
None of the above	7	2.5
Ways of avoiding pregnancy (n = 481)
Use of modern contraceptives	455	94.6
Prolonged breastfeeding (LAM)	207	43.0
Withdrawal	49	10.2
Avoid coitus (sex)	38	7.9
Rhythm methods (during safe period)	36	7.5
Traditional methods	24	5.0
Douching	3	0.6

Multiple responses.