Abstract

Objective: To identify barriers to the use of contraceptive methods among women of childbearing age in the city of Bafoussam. Methods: We conducted a descriptive study on women of childbearing age attending the Tyo Medicalised Health Center in Bafoussam. Data were collected by direct interviews, using a structured questionnaire. Results: One hundred and eighty women whose average age was 27.55 years were enrolled in the study. Forty percent of the women reported that their last pregnancy was unwanted and 15.2% of them voluntarily aborted. Barriers to the use of contraceptive identified were: the fear of side effects (15.0%), refusal of spouse (9.4%), the lack of information (8.3%). Conclusion: Awareness and more effective education programs targeting not only women but men also, should be implemented to break those barriers.