Perception, Pattern of Use, and Determinants of Family Planning Uptake Among Women of Childbearing Age in Ibadan, South West Nigeria

Abstract

Background and Objective: While some efforts have been made to understand family planning practices as a vital component of reproductive healthcare, previous studies often lack specificity regarding the unique sociocultural and geographical characteristics of the study area. The study, therefore, examined the perception, pattern of use, and determinants of family planning uptake among women of childbearing age (15–49 years) in a Local Government Area in Southwest Nigeria.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using multi-stage sampling, with 190 respondents; data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Descriptive data were displayed in frequency tables. The mean and standard deviations were determined. The association between variables was tested using the chi-square at a 5% significance level (α = 0.05).

Results: Among participants, 53% held positive perceptions of family planning. Less than half (47.9%) used family planning methods, and only 18.9% used barrier methods. Less than half (42.6%) had never visited family planning clinics, and less than half (49.5%) were unsure about how often they used family planning. Notably, more than one-third (35.3%) had used family planning methods for 1–5 years. Critical determinants of uptake included accessibility, adverse reactions, cost, and husband’s acceptance. There was no significant association between age (p = 0.090) or academic attainment (p = 0.569) and perception of family planning, nor between the current method of use (p = 0.09) and perception. However, injectable contraception was significantly associated with positive perception.

Conclusion and Global Health Implications: The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to address barriers and enhance positive perceptions, particularly regarding access and affordability. Community-based education initiatives should prioritize increasing awareness and accessibility to a variety of contraceptive options, especially injectables, to meet the diverse reproductive health needs of women in the region.