Awareness and Utilization of Family Planning Methods among Mothers of Under-Fives in Gindiri, North-Central Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Interactions between Tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) infection influence the design and background Family planning is an important preventive measure against maternal and child morbidity and mortality. This study was aimed at determining the awareness and utilization of family planning methods among mothers of under-fives.
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study involving 165 mothers that brought their children to the clinic for immunization. A semi- structured interviewer administered questionnaires were used to obtain data. These were analyzed using Epi info version 3.2.3
Result: One hundred and fifty two respondents (92%) were aware of family planning methods and knew at least one method or the other. The common family planning methods that respondents were aware of included injectables (77.6 %), daily oral pills (70.3 %) and male condoms (62.4 %). The hospital (73.9%) was their major source of information. Sixty seven respondents (40.6 %) were using one form of family planning or the other  before their last child birth. The common methods used were injectables (47.8 %) and daily oral pills (22.4 %) among others. The places patronized for the services were mainly Government hospitals (86%) followed by chemists and private clinics. Proximity to home and perceived staff competence were major reasons for patronage of such places. Among nonusers of the services, desire for more children, fear of side effects and partner's opposition to it were their major constraints to utilization.
Conclusion: High awareness regarding family planning methods did not commensurately translate to utilization of services. The constraints to utilization should be addressed. These should include programmes that would sensitize and promote men's involvement and participation in family planning services as well as enlightenment campaign that would allay the people's fears regarding side effects.