Knowledge And Perception of Women Regarding Bilateral Tubal Ligation In Southwest Nigeria

Bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) is a procedure considered as permanent, although sometimes reversible, it is seen as a highly effective method of contraception. In Nigeria only 0.1% of women aged 14 44 years use female sterilization as a contraceptive method, the acceptance rate is low. The purpose of the study was to investigate the knowledge and perception of women regarding bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) based on Kolcaba's Theory of Comfort. A qualitative contextual exploratory approach was used. Data collection was by means of audio-taped semi-structured interview and Tesch’s content analysis style was utilised. The sample size for the study was determined by saturation of data and consisted of 18 women admitted in the maternity section of the hospital. The findings showed that all participants in the study were aware of family planning; only one participant used BTL as a method of choice. Awareness of BTL among participants showed that two third were aware of BTL as a method of family planning, one third of the participants stated that BTL is a risky method of family planning, likewise the majority believed it is bad and should not be practiced and almost two thirds of the participants indicated that they will not recommend BTL for women. Family planning is a vital aspect of safe motherhood for women, so nurses in every facet of the health care system should step up to the responsibility of being a health educator and educate women on the benefits of BTL as well as advocate for its availability at a reasonable cost. Family planning is a major issue that must be discussed with women once they are found to be pregnant.