Analysis of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Women towards Family Planning in Nigeria: Evidence from Ogun State

Abstract

Aims: Increasing the use of family planning (FP) is essential to reducing maternal and new-born mortality rate as well as food insecurity in Nigeria.  This study analyzed the knowledge, attitude and practices of women regarding utilization of family planning methods in Ogun State, Nigeria. Study Design: The survey design was adopted for the study. Primary data was collected from the participants. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in Ikenne local government area of Ogun state, Nigeria in 2016. Methodology: Structured questionnaire was used to collect information from 400 respondents. Data collected were analyzed and results presented in frequency tables. The Logit regression model (at p≤0.05) was used to determine the predictors of FP use. Results: The result revealed that majority of respondents were less than 40 years old (73%), married (96%) with more than 3 children (62%) and had at least secondary education (81). Most of them are self employed (44%) and earn less than N 20,000 a month (approx. $57.8).  Most of the respondents are Christians (57%) and belong to the Yoruba ethnic group (83%). The majority of the women knew of FP methods (70%), 72% agreed to all the attitudinal statements supporting FP but only 35% were currently using any method. Constraints reported by respondents included nonchalant attitude due to infrequent sex, belief that breastfeeding prevent conception, opposition from husbands, prohibition due to religious beliefs and high cost of FP materials. Respondents’ educational level, their religion, access to FP information, income level, spousal approval and number of children were the predictors of FP use among study group. Conclusion: More awareness and counselling should be provided by the government and private institutions to both women and men to further improve knowledge and enhance utilization of FP. Finally, government should encourage the usage of FP by subsidizing fertility control equipments at all health facilities.