DETERMINANTS OF UTILIZATION OF FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES AMONG WOMEN OF GAMBARI WARD IN ILORIN, KWARA STATE.

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted on the determinants of utilization of family planning services among women of Gambari ward in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The specific objectives were to determine the level of utilization of family planning services, to assess the level of knowledge of family planning among women of reproductive age group in Gambari Ward, to determine the proportion of women currently using family planning methods and to determine the proportion of women who wish to use family planning services but cannot access the services.

The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. A Cluster random sampling method was used. Our study populations were female residents of Gambariward within the reproductive age group. Relevant information was obtained through a 5-section structural questionnaire that assessed areas of interest with both open and closed-ended questions. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0 and results were presented by means of tables, charts and graphs.

Majority of the respondents were aware of family planning services. However,the level of utilization was low due to religious beliefs, spouse refusal, cost and other misconceptions on family planning use.

Appropriate recommendations were made to the government and the community as a whole, on how to improve the overall utilization of family planning services.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page                                                                                                           i

Certification                                                                                                      ii

Dedication                                                                                                               iii

Acknowledgements                                                                               iv

Abstract                                                                                                                  v

Table of Contents                                                                                                  vi

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Background information                                                                    1

1.2 Problem statement                                                                                2

1.3 Justification for the Study                                                                   3

1.4 Objectives of the Research                                                                4

1.41 General objectives

1.42 Specific Objectives

1.5 Conceptual framework                                                                       5

CHAPTER TWO

2.0 Literature Review                                                                                  6

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

3.1 Description of study area                                                                22

3.2 Study Design                                                                                              23

3.3 Study population                                                                             24

3.4 Sampling technique and method                                                         24

3.5 Minimum sample size determination                                                         25

3.6 Research instrument                                                                                         26

3.7 Data Collection, Analysis and Presentation                                 26

3.8 Ethical consideration                                                                               27

3.9 Method of data dissemination                                                                   27

3.10 Limitations of the study                                                                  28

CHAPTER FOUR: RESULTS

4.1 Socio-demographic characteristics                                                       29

4.2 Gynecologic and reproductive history                                                         35

4.3 Level of awareness of family planning                                                        35

4.4 Level and determinants of utilization of family planning               39

4.5 Perception on family planning                                                                  40

4.6 Cross-tabulations.                                                                           43

CHAPTER FIVE

Discussion                                                                                                         47

CHAPTER SIX

Conclusion                                                                                                      50

Recommendations                                                                                          51

References                                                                                                        53

Sample Questionnaires

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Family planning, as explained by World Health Organization (WHO), allows individuals and couples anticipate and attain their desired number of children and the spacing and timing of their birth. It is achieved through the use of contraceptive methods. A woman’s ability to space and limit her pregnancies has a direct impact on her health and well being as well as outcome of each pregnancy.

Uptake of family planning methods remains low in Sub-Saharan Africa including Nigeria. This may be associated with high incidence of unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions and maternal death ^{[1, 2]}. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 aims at improving maternal health and reducing maternal mortality by three quarters between 1990 and 2015. An important intervention towards achieving this target is the promotion of family planning among women of Sub-Saharan Africa ^{[1, 3]}.

Several studies have been conducted on determinants of family planning use. In some cases strong associations have been established between family planning and some socio-demographic, socio-cultural and socio-economic characteristics of women. Studies have revealed that use of family planning methods was found more in women of older age group ^{[4, 5]}. Education has also been observed in many other studies to be associated with contraceptive use ^{[4, 6, 7]}.

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT  

United Nations MDG5 aims at improving maternal health and reducing maternal mortality by 75% between 1990 and 2015. An important tool towards achieving this target is the promotion of family planning among women. Unfortunately, uptake of family planning methods remains low in Sub-Saharan Africa.

In a study conducted in Ghana, it was estimated that about 17% of married women use modern contraceptive method ^[8]. This suggests that the use of contraceptive methods, especially modern ones, still remains low among women in Ghana. In the same study, it was estimated that unmet need increased from 30% to 34% in 2008. It is therefore imperative to establish and understand the factors that serve as barrier to the use of contraceptives and available family planning services.