A comparative assessment of modern contraceptive availability in public and private health facilities in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria

Contraceptive use remains low in Nigeria, with stock availability identified as a key factor influencing demand. Understanding the availability of contraceptive methods in both public and private health facilities is essential for formulating policies to increase uptake. This study assessed contraceptive availability and associated factors in health facilities within the Ibadan metropolis. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a multi-stage random sampling method to select 61 public and 30 private facilities. Data were collected from 91 personnel managing contraceptives through structured questionnaires. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data, while chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were applied to explore associations between contraceptive availability and variables such as facility type, duration of contraceptive service, and year of establishment. Analyses were done at a 5% significance level using SPSS. More public facilities (86.9%) had at least five contraceptive methods compared to private ones (76.7%). Availability increased with years of contraceptive service: <5 years (Public 50.0%, Private 75.0%), 5–10 years (Public 82.4%, Private 57.1%), > 10 years (Public 100.0%, Private 90.9%). Private facilities were less likely to have five or more methods (OR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.16–1.53). Facilities established post-2000 were more likely to offer multiple methods (OR = 1.40; 95% CI: 0.43–4.59). Service duration was significantly associated with availability (OR = 0.04; 95% CI: 0.01–0.35). Private health facilities had lower contraceptive availability. Bridging this gap by involving private facilities in contraceptive programs is key to achieving universal access to reproductive health services.