Bilateral Tubal Ligation in Southeast Nigeria: Indications and Uptake Trends Over Five Years

Abstract

Background: Bilateral tubal ligation (BTL) is a highly effective and permanent method of contraception with a failure rate of less than 1%. Despite its safety and effectiveness, uptake remains low in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria. This study assessed the uptake, indications, and clinical characteristics of BTL in a tertiary health institution in Southeast Nigeria. Methods: This was a five-year retrospective descriptive study conducted at Enugu State University Teaching Hospital (ESUTH), Enugu, Nigeria. Records of all women who underwent BTL during the study period were reviewed. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, type of procedure, associated surgical interventions, indications; previous awareness and uptake of contraception, and complications were extracted and analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.