AWARENESS,ATTITUDE AND UTILIZATION OF FAMILY PLANNING METHODS AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT This study investigated the awareness, attitude, and utilization of family planning methods among women of reproductive age in Nigeria, utilizing data collected through a structured online questionnaire. Employing a quantitative research design with logistic regression analysis, the study identified key socio-demographic factors influencing family planning practices. Findings revealed high awareness levels (over 70%) of modern contraceptive methods and a predominantly positive attitude (73% agreement on its health benefits), yet low utilization rates, with only a small proportion of women actively using these methods. Significant predictors of family planning use include marital status, employment status, educational attainment and place of residence. Married and employed women, as well as those with tertiary education, demonstrated higher odds of utilizing family planning services, while rural residence was associated with lower usage. Cultural and social barriers, such as husband opposition and misconceptions about side effects, contributed to the gap between awareness, positive attitude and practice. The study recommends targeted interventions, including enhanced educational programs, improved access to affordable contraceptive services, male involvement, and women empowerment initiatives, to bridge this gap and promote reproductive health. These findings underscore the need for multifaceted strategies to address socio-economic and cultural barriers, ultimately supporting Nigeria’s sustainable development goals by reducing maternal and infant mortality and improving family planning uptake.