The Perception Of Women Of Child Bearing Age Towards Family Planning In Nasarawa State

This study examines the perception of women of child bearing age towards family planning. Faced with the problem of Nigeria’s population is anticipated to climb to 401 million by 2050, placing it as the fourth most heavily populated nation in the world, the study was guided by the following objectives; 

1. To determine the perceptions of women of child bearing age on the use of family planning methods in Nasarawa state.

2. To understand the barriers that prevent women of child bearing age in Nasarawa state from accessing family planning services. 

3. To explore effective strategies for promoting positive perceptions towards family planning among women of child bearing age in Nasarawa state.

The study employed descriptive and explanatory design, questionnaires in addition to library research were applied in order to collect data. Primary and secondary data sources were used and data was analyzed using statistical package which was presented in frequency tables and percentage. The respondents under the study were 30 women and health workers in Nasarawa State. The study findings revealed that there is a significant impact [women of child bearing age] has on [family planning]. Linear regression significant at 0.05 level (2-tailed), 0.00 indicates the significance of interaction between two variables an indication that the significant is under the range of 0.0 and 0.05.

Using the above findings, it implied that there is a strong relationship between [women of child bearing age] and [family planning]. Key recommendations from the study are; 

1. The government and relevant stakeholders should increase access to family planning services in Nasarawa, particularly in rural and underserved areas. This can be done by increasing the number of family planning clinics, mobile outreach services, and community-based distribution programs.

2. Working with traditional and religious leaders to address cultural and religious beliefs can help to promote acceptance and support for these services.

3. Health education programs that are tailored to the needs of different communities can help to increase awareness and knowledge about family planning. Community health workers can play a vital role in educating women about the benefits of family planning and addressing any misconceptions or fears they may have..

4. Encouraging male partners to be involved in family planning decisions and providing education and resources to men can help to reduce stigma and promote positive attitudes towards contraception.

5. The government should create policies that support access to family planning services, such as government subsidies, insurance coverage, and funding for family planning clinics