Factors Affecting the Utilization of Family Planning Services among Rural Women (A Case Study of Nsukka LGA of Enugu State)

Abstract

Background: Family planning is known to be one of the most popular practices of birth control worldwide. It is the ability of individuals and couples to attain their desired number and spacing of their children through contraceptive use as well as provides a holistic service that aims to promote a positive view of sexuality and enable people to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health and well-being. Despite, the campaign on the usefulness of family planning services in having smaller and healthier families, studies have indicated that contraceptive use is still low in many developing countries, including Nigeria where 23.7% of currently married women had ever used one. Fortunately, majority of Nigerian women are aware of family planning, but very few of them make use of it for birth control.

Aim: The main aim of the study was to determine the factors affecting utilization of family planning services in rural area among women (A case study of Nsukka LGA of Enugu State).

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Three hundred questionnaires were distributed to 300 women of reproductive age. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics was used to summaries and organize the data. Pearson’s Chi square test was used to test for association between variables and level of significance was set at p<0.05.

Result: The results showed that majority (84.5%) of participants' utilization of family planning services depends on husband’s acceptance of the family planning method. The study also found that cultural acceptance, access to family planning services, schedule of family planning clinic, and awareness; 61.5%, 75%, 62.5%, and 63.5% respectively all influence utilization of family planning. Academic attainment and knowledge of family planning methods were significant and influenced family planning use.

Conclusion: The study showed that family planning method used is dependent on its acceptance by husbands. There is need for spouses to be continuously involved in family planning education as their approval influences family planning. It is hoped that the knowledge of this research will help in providing adequate health education and add to knowledge of family planning services to ensure adequate child spacing and reproductive health.