Awareness, knowledge, and perception about Sayana press® contraceptive technology in Nigeria

Background: Access to modern contraception can save lives. Sayana Press® is a 3-month injectable contraceptive that has a small needle and comes in a prefilled syringe, which makes it easy to use and less painful. Subjects and Methods: A mix method cross-sectional study was carried out in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and 3 states chosen across Nigeria: Nassarawa, Benue, and Oyo states. Quantitative data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire while the qualitative data were collected using focus group discussions with selected youths, teachers, family planning service providers (caregivers), and parents. Results: Despite its years of introduction into the family planning market, Sayana Press® awareness was low, with 37.7% (43) of the 114 respondents in the quantitative study being aware of its existence as a new family planning method. The qualitative data also reinforced the crucial role of contraceptive knowledge (benefits and side effects) and cost on the uptake of Sayana Press®. Conclusion: Government and donor support for centralizing the procurement and distribution of contraceptives is a key determinant of Sayana Press® awareness and uptake.