International Journal of Advance Research Publication and Reviews

International Journal of Advance Research Publication and Reviews
Peer-Reviewed | Multi-Disciplinary Journal

ISSN: 3049-0103 (O)

Impact Factor: 4.33

BARRIERS TO FAMILY PLANNING UTILIZATION AMONG MARRIED COUPLES IN KEFFI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Author

JOY NAMA DAUDU , Dr. ABDULLAHI IDRIS BASHIR, Dr. UJU M. NNABUENYI

Abstract

 This study investigated the barriers to family planning utilization among married couples in Keffi Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The study examined the influence of cultural beliefs, religious beliefs, and socioeconomic status. The study anchored in the Health Belief Model, the study adopted a survey research design. A structured questionnaire was administered to 388 married respondents selected through multistage sampling, while Key Informant Interviews were conducted with healthcare providers, religious leaders, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data were analysed thematically. Findings revealed that preference for large families (25.3%) was the most influential cultural barrier, religious views concerning artificial contraception (26.0%) was the most influential religious barrier, and household income (23.5%) was the most influential socioeconomic barrier to family planning utilization. Qualitative accounts corroborated these findings, showing that extended family pressure, religious interpretations of contraception, and financial constraints jointly shape couples' reproductive decisions. The study concludes that family planning utilization in Keffi is not simply a function of awareness or service availability but is deeply embedded in the social, religious, and economic realities couples navigate daily. It recommends community-based education involving religious and traditional leaders, improved affordability and accessibility of family planning services, and couple-focused counselling to address the interconnected barriers identified. 

Keywords

Family Planning, Contraceptive Utilization, Cultural Beliefs, Religious Beliefs, Socioeconomic Status

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References

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