Knowledge, attitude and practice of family planning among Igbo women of south-eastern Nigeria

Abstract

A total of 200 Nigerian women visiting Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital's antenatal clinic were interviewed about their knowledge, attitude and practice of family planning. About 90% were literate. Their knowledge (80%) and approval (87%) of family planning was high, but the practice of modern family planning was low (25%) with most women involved in Billings/safe period (56%). The common methods used were Billings/safe period, condom, withdrawal and the intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD). A total of 81.5% of the respondents are still willing to give birth while 77% agreed that their last pregnancy was planned. A total of 58.5% of respondents were educated about family planning in the antenatal clinic. The most common source of family planning information was mass media, closely followed by health workers, while the most common single reason for non-practice of family planning was rejection by the husband. We therefore conclude that despite the high education/literacy with the attendant and high knowledge and approval rate of family planning in this part of Nigeria, the practice of family planning is still low, especially due to partner objection. Policy makers should therefore increase male involvement in family planning programmes and pursue a more aggressive public awareness campaign.

Perceptions of Couples Who Use Jadelle Implant in Blantyre District, Malawi

“…Male involvement in family planning increases uptake of contraceptives [34]. Conversely, men are usually left out when decisions about reproductive health issues are discussed [19]. This may have a negative impact on women's decision to use contraceptives.…”

“…This may have a negative impact on women's decision to use contraceptives. Sometimes women fail to use contraceptives because of rejection by their spouses [19]. It is important that women in Malawi are empowered to make their own decisions on use of contraceptives.…”

“…There is need to de-feminise maternal health services and maternal health education must be given to men and women [17]. Therefore, every opportunity should be utilised at antenatal, postnatal and family planning clinics to teach individuals about family planning because if people accept the advice, they are likely to apply it to their own family [19].…”

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Yemeni Women Attending Primary Healthcare Centers in Sana’a City towards Family Planning

“…Furthermore, most of the FP providers in Yemen are usually females, especially nurses and midwives, who have high accessibility, acceptability and good trust by women (24). It has been observed in Tanzania and Zambia that healthcare workers and government health facilities, such as hospitals, were the main source of information, while mass media was the main source of information about modern contraceptives in India and Nigeria (18,(23)(24)(25). Meanwhile, it was found that Indian women seeking voluntary termination of pregnancy had gained knowledge of contraceptives mostly from friends and family members (3).…”

“…In the present study, the main source of information about FP was from healthcare providers followed by mass media, family members and friends. This may reflect the success of education, duties, publicity and regular action in FP by healthcare workers (23). Furthermore, most of the FP providers in Yemen are usually females, especially nurses and midwives, who have high accessibility, acceptability and good trust by women (24).…”