Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Family Planning Methods among Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Jos, North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

Family planning is regarded as an important preventive measure against maternal and child morbidity and mortality. This study was aimed at
determining the knowledge, attitude and use of family planning methods among women attending antenatal clinic in Jos; factors that militates against use of contraceptive methods and their contraceptive intentions
following the index pregnancy. This was a cross-sectional study involving 420 women who attended the antenatal clinic .The respondents were interviewed by the use of structured interviewer administered questionnaire. Knowledge (88.1%) and acceptability (75.4%) of family planning methods were high, while modern family planning methods use was 44.0%. More women 39.3% were aware of oral contraceptive pills. Common methods used were male condom (59.5%), oral contraceptive pills (47.0%) and injectables (27.1%) among others. Most of the women (60.0%) received their family planning information in the hospital. Seventy five percent of the women agreed that both husband and wife should jointly decide for a family planning method. Sixty eight percent of women would like to use contraceptive methods after delivery of the index pregnancy. The desire for more children accounted for 36.5% among those that refused use of contraceptive method after delivery.
Despite the high educational status, knowledge and acceptability of family planning methods observed in this study, the practice of these methods is still relatively low. More targeted and well-organized educational campaigns are needed to improve this trend.

Keywords: Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Family planning methods.