ASSESSMENT OF THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF NURSES AND MIDWIVES TOWARDS CONTRACEPTIVE COUNSELLING AND FAMILY PLANNING AT ADEOYO MATERNITY TEACHING HSOPITAL, YEMETU

Abstract This Thesis Investigates the Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Nurses and Midwives Concerning Contraceptive Methods and Family Planning. Despite advancements in reproductive healthcare, gaps remain in knowledge and practices that are crucial for effective service delivery. This study probes these gaps, aiming to enhance our understanding of how these healthcare professionals view and manage family planning, which is pivotal for policy development and practice improvement in reproductive health services. The primary goal of this research is to improve the quality of contraceptive counselling and the delivery of family planning services by assessing the knowledge levels, attitudes, and barriers experienced by nurses and midwives. It also evaluates the impact of existing training programs on their practice. A quantitative approach was adopted to provide a comprehensive analysis of the subject matter. Structured surveys were conducted across various healthcare settings, involving a diverse group of nurses and midwives. This strategy allowed for the collection quantitative data insights, facilitating a deeper understanding of the intricacies involved in the delivery of contraceptive and family planning services. The study uncovered a generally high level of knowledge among nurses and midwives regarding contraceptive methods and their mechanisms, suggesting solid foundational understanding in this area. Attitudes towards contraceptive counseling were overwhelmingly positive, reflecting a commitment to supporting clients in making informed family planning choices. However, notable barriers were identified, including cultural and personal beliefs, which hinder effective counseling and service provision. The findings highlight the essential role of comprehensive and ongoing training programs for nurses and midwives. By enhancing their knowledge and communication skills, these professionals can better address barriers to effective counseling and contribute significantly to informed decision-making and the accessibility of high-quality family planning services. This study underlines the importance of continuous professional development and adaptive learning frameworks in improving reproductive health outcomes. Keywords: Attitude, Contraceptive Methods, Cultural Competence, Family Planning, Knowledge, Midwives, Nurses, Programs and Training. Word count: 299 words