Patterns and Determinants of Family Planning Practices Among Reproductive-Age Women in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area, Katsina State

Musa Muhammad Bilkisu; Husaini Shafii; Anifat AbdurRaheem

doi:10.56201/ajha.v9.no2.2025.pg37.54

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Patterns and Determinants of Family Planning Practices Among Reproductive-Age Women in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area, Katsina State

Musa Muhammad Bilkisu, Husaini Shafii, Anifat AbdurRaheem

Abstract

This study examines the patterns and determinants of family planning practices among reproductive-age women, with a focus on understanding the socio-demographic, cultural, and informational factors that influence contraceptive use. Despite increased awareness campaigns and improved access to modern contraceptives, family planning uptake remains low in many parts of Nigeria, especially among women in rural and underserved communities. The specific objectives include identifying prevalent family planning methods, analyzing the socio-economic and cultural determinants of usage, and assessing the influence of spousal support and health education. The theoretical framework is grounded in the Health Belief Model, which explains how perceived susceptibility, benefits, and barriers influence health behaviour decisions. Using a survey research design, 400 questionnaires distributed, 393 were successfully retrieved, representing a response rate of 98.25%. The quantitative data were were analyzed using descriptive statistics and chi-square tests to test hypotheses, while qualitative data were obtained through 12 in-depth interview sessions conducted to complement the survey findings. Findings revealed that education level, spousal communication, access to health services, and cultural beliefs significantly influenced family planning decisions. The most commonly used methods were injectables and oral contraceptives, while myths and misconceptions were key barriers. Hypothesis testing showed a significant relationship between women's educational attainment and contraceptive use (?² = 28.71, p < 0.375) while the second hypothesis test on spousal support and family planning use displayed (?² 12.84, p< 0.17). The study concludes that enhancing women’s education and strengthening community-based health outreach are critical to increasing family planning adoption. Policy interventions should also target male involvement and cultural sensitivi

Keywords

Gender and Reproductive HealthWomen’s AutonomyContraceptive Practices

References

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Patterns and Determinants of Family Planning Practices Among Reproductive-Age Women in Dutsin-Ma Local Government Area, Katsina State

Abstract

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