Project – Assessing the knowledge and attitude of women of child bearing age toward family planning
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1. Background to the Study
Family planning is a critical component of maternal and child health, enabling women to make informed choices regarding reproductive health, the timing, and spacing of births. The knowledge and attitudes of women of childbearing age (WCBA) toward family planning play a significant role in shaping reproductive health outcomes. Various studies across the globe have highlighted how cultural, socioeconomic, and healthcare access factors influence women’s understanding and acceptance of family planning methods. This literature review explores the knowledge and attitudes of WCBA toward family planning, drawing on studies from both developed and developing countries to understand the complexities that shape these factors.
Research indicates that women’s knowledge of family planning methods is often incomplete or inaccurate, particularly in low-resource settings. A study by Gebremedhin et al. (2019) in Ethiopia found that while awareness of family planning was high, knowledge about specific methods such as intrauterine devices (IUDs) or emergency contraception was limited. Similarly, in a study conducted by Fikre et al. (2020) in rural India, it was revealed that while most women were familiar with traditional methods of family planning, there was less awareness of modern contraceptive methods like implants or oral contraceptives. These gaps in knowledge highlight the need for improved education about the full range of family planning options, especially in underserved communities where healthcare services may be limited.
In addition to knowledge, attitudes toward family planning are shaped by a variety of cultural and religious factors. Studies have found that in many societies, particularly in rural and conservative areas, family planning is often viewed with skepticism or disapproval due to prevailing cultural or religious beliefs. A study by Singh et al. (2018) in Pakistan found that while the majority of women were aware of contraceptive methods, their use was influenced by traditional values that emphasized large family sizes and religious doctrines that viewed contraception as contrary to natural reproduction. These attitudes are particularly prominent in developing countries where fertility rates are still high, and the desire for large families remains strong.
In contrast, studies in developed countries suggest that women’s attitudes toward family planning are generally more positive, but knowledge disparities still exist. In a survey conducted in the United States by Harris et al. (2017), it was found that while most women were knowledgeable about various contraceptive methods, there was a notable lack of understanding regarding the effectiveness and side effects of these methods. This reflects a more nuanced issue, as even in well-resourced settings, misinformation or incomplete knowledge can lead to poor decision-making regarding contraception. Moreover, accessibility to healthcare services and contraception remains a critical factor, particularly for women with low income or those in marginalized communities.
Barriers to accessing family planning services, including financial, logistical, and social obstacles, further contribute to the challenges in improving knowledge and attitudes toward family planning. A study by Ashford (2018) in sub-Saharan Africa revealed that cost and transportation issues were major barriers preventing women from accessing family planning services. Additionally, stigma and social pressure often deter women from seeking contraceptive services, as discussed in a study by Mushi et al. (2019) in Tanzania. Women’s decision-making autonomy, cultural acceptance of contraceptive methods, and the availability of services all play crucial roles in determining whether they can act on their knowledge and attitudes about family planning.
Interventions designed to improve family planning knowledge and change attitudes have shown varying degrees of success. Community-based education programs and healthcare outreach efforts have been particularly effective in increasing awareness and shifting attitudes in many countries. For instance, a study by Kamali et al. (2017) in Uganda found that community health workers who provided education and counseling on family planning methods were successful in improving both knowledge and contraceptive use among women of childbearing age. Such programs help women understand the benefits of family planning not only for their own health but also for the well-being of their families. However, to be truly effective, these interventions must be culturally sensitive and tailored to the specific needs of different communities.
In conclusion, assessing the knowledge and attitudes of women of childbearing age toward family planning is essential for improving reproductive health outcomes globally. The existing literature reveals significant gaps in knowledge, shaped by cultural, economic, and healthcare-related factors, that affect women’s ability to make informed reproductive health decisions. Efforts to address these gaps through education, improved healthcare access, and community-based interventions are critical in promoting family planning use. Future research should continue to explore the intersection of social, cultural, and economic determinants to develop more effective strategies to support women in making informed and empowered choices regarding family planning.
1.2. Statement of the Problem
Family planning is essential to improving maternal and child health outcomes, as it enables women to control the timing and spacing of their children. Despite the known benefits, there remains a significant gap in the knowledge and attitudes toward family planning among women of childbearing age (WCBA) in various regions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. In many areas, women still face barriers to accessing family planning methods, leading to high rates of unintended pregnancies and poor maternal health outcomes. This lack of comprehensive knowledge, along with prevailing negative attitudes toward family planning, hinders the ability of women to make informed decisions regarding their reproductive health. The problem lies not only in the insufficient dissemination of information but also in the complex interplay of cultural, socio-economic, and systemic factors that shape these attitudes.
In many countries, especially in rural or marginalized communities, women have limited access to accurate, comprehensive, and unbiased information about family planning options. For instance, women may not be aware of the full range of available contraceptive methods, their effectiveness, or potential side effects. As a result, they may opt for less effective methods, rely on traditional practices, or forgo contraception altogether. This knowledge gap is further exacerbated by misinformation, myths, and misconceptions surrounding family planning methods. Inadequate or incorrect information often leads to dissatisfaction with family planning methods, discontinuation of use, and higher rates of unintended pregnancies. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the existing knowledge gaps to develop effective educational interventions that address these shortcomings.
Furthermore, even when women possess adequate knowledge about family planning methods, their attitudes toward these methods can be significantly influenced by social, cultural, and religious beliefs. In many societies, particularly in rural areas, large family sizes are often viewed as a social norm, and family planning may be perceived negatively. This cultural opposition can result in resistance to adopting modern contraceptive methods, even when they are available and affordable. In some cases, the decision to avoid or delay family planning is also influenced by religious teachings that view contraception as unnatural or immoral. These cultural and religious attitudes play a significant role in shaping how women perceive family planning methods and, by extension, their willingness to use them. Addressing these attitudinal barriers is essential for improving family planning uptake and ensuring better reproductive health outcomes for women.
Another critical problem lies in the access and availability of family planning services. Even in regions where knowledge and positive attitudes exist, structural barriers such as cost, distance to healthcare facilities, and lack of trained healthcare providers can prevent women from accessing the contraceptive methods they need. Financial barriers, in particular, are a significant issue in many low-income settings, where the cost of contraception or the expense of traveling to healthcare centers may be prohibitive for many women. Additionally, logistical issues such as stock-outs of contraceptive supplies or limited operating hours of family planning clinics often deter women from seeking services. These barriers contribute to a persistent gap in the effective use of family planning services, highlighting the need for improved healthcare infrastructure and more accessible family planning options.
Moreover, the influence of male partners and family members often complicates women’s autonomy in making reproductive decisions. In many societies, women are not the sole decision-makers when it comes to reproductive health. Male partners or family members may exert pressure on women to avoid or discontinue contraception, influencing their choices. This gender dynamic further complicates efforts to improve family planning uptake. Without addressing the role of men and broader family support systems, interventions aimed at improving women’s knowledge and attitudes toward family planning may not be as effective. Gender dynamics need to be integrated into family planning programs to ensure that women have the full support and autonomy needed to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
In conclusion, the problem of inadequate knowledge and negative attitudes toward family planning among women of childbearing age is multifaceted and requires a comprehensive approach. While education plays a key role in addressing knowledge gaps, addressing cultural, religious, economic, and gender-related factors is equally important in improving family planning use. Without a holistic approach that encompasses all these dimensions, the full potential of family planning in improving maternal and child health will remain unrealized. This study seeks to explore these issues in-depth, assessing the current state of knowledge and attitudes toward family planning and identifying the barriers that hinder women from utilizing these vital services.
1.3. Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of the study is to assessing the knowledge and attitude of women of child bearing age toward family planning. The specific objectives are:
- To determine the level of knowledge among women of childbearing age regarding different family planning methods.
- To assess the attitudes of women of childbearing age towards the importance of family planning in their lives.
- To identify any misconceptions or myths that women of childbearing age may have about family planning.
- To explore the factors influencing the decision-making process of women of childbearing age when it comes to family planning.
1.4. Research Questions
The research questions are buttressed below:
- What is the level of knowledge among women of childbearing age regarding different family planning methods?
- How do women of childbearing age perceive the importance of family planning in their lives?
- What misconceptions or myths do women of childbearing age have about family planning?
- What factors influence the decision-making process of women of childbearing age when it comes to family planning?
1.5. Research Hypothesis
The hypothetical statement of the study is buttressed below:
Ho: Level of knowledge among women of childbearing age will not affect family planning methods
H1: Level of knowledge among women of childbearing age will affect family planning methods
1.6. Significance of the Study
The significance of this study lies in its potential to inform policies and interventions aimed at improving reproductive health outcomes for women of childbearing age (WCBA). Understanding the knowledge and attitudes of WCBA toward family planning is crucial for identifying the factors that influence contraceptive use and reproductive health decisions. By assessing these factors, this study can provide valuable insights that guide the development of effective family planning programs tailored to the specific needs of women in different social, cultural, and economic contexts. These insights can contribute to the creation of more targeted, culturally sensitive, and accessible educational initiatives that empower women to make informed reproductive choices.
One of the key contributions of this study is its potential to highlight existing knowledge gaps and misconceptions about family planning methods. In many communities, especially in rural or underserved areas, women may lack detailed knowledge about the different contraceptive methods available to them. By identifying the specific areas where knowledge is lacking, this study can help develop educational campaigns that address common misconceptions and provide accurate information about family planning options. This would ultimately contribute to reducing misinformation and improving the overall effectiveness of family planning efforts, helping women make more informed decisions about their reproductive health.
The study’s findings can also play a pivotal role in shifting cultural and social attitudes toward family planning. In many regions, traditional values and religious beliefs can create significant resistance to the use of contraception, which can prevent women from accessing or utilizing family planning services. By exploring the cultural and religious factors that shape women’s attitudes toward family planning, this study can provide a deeper understanding of these barriers. The findings can then be used to design culturally appropriate interventions that challenge negative perceptions and promote the acceptance of family planning. These interventions would help to foster a supportive environment where women feel comfortable using family planning methods, contributing to improved reproductive health outcomes.
In addition to cultural and social factors, the study can help identify structural barriers that limit women’s access to family planning services. Issues such as financial constraints, distance to healthcare facilities, and stock-outs of contraceptive supplies often prevent women from accessing necessary services. By examining these barriers in-depth, the study can provide concrete evidence to inform policy reforms aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure and accessibility. The findings could encourage governments and international organizations to invest in strengthening family planning services, ensuring that all women, regardless of their location or financial status, can access the contraceptive methods they need to plan their families effectively.
Furthermore, this study could have a significant impact on gender dynamics within households and communities. In many societies, decisions about family planning are not solely made by women, as male partners or family members often exert influence over reproductive health choices. Understanding how gender dynamics affect women’s attitudes toward and use of family planning methods is essential for developing interventions that promote gender equality in reproductive decision-making. This study could highlight the need for involving men in family planning education and encourage greater collaboration between men and women in making informed decisions about contraception. In turn, this would foster a more equitable approach to reproductive health and increase the likelihood of women adopting family planning methods.
Finally, the significance of this study extends beyond its immediate impact on family planning programs. The findings could contribute to global efforts to improve maternal and child health, as increasing the use of family planning is associated with positive outcomes such as reduced maternal mortality, improved child health, and greater economic stability. By addressing knowledge gaps, shifting attitudes, and overcoming access barriers, this study has the potential to contribute to achieving international development goals, such as those outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, this research could help advance progress toward SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights for all women and girls, and SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by empowering women to make informed choices about their reproductive health.
1.7. Scope of the Study
The study examines the knowledge and attitude of women of child bearing age toward family planning. The study is limited to nursing mother attending Mother and Child Centre, Lagos
1.8. Operational Definition of Terms
Knowledge: Knowledge refers to the understanding or awareness of facts, information, and skills acquired through experience or education. In the context of this study, knowledge refers to a woman’s awareness and comprehension of the various family planning methods available, including their effectiveness, benefits, potential side effects, and how to access them. It encompasses both general information and specific details about contraceptive options and reproductive health.
Attitude: Attitude refers to an individual’s feelings, beliefs, and behaviors toward a particular object, idea, or situation. It represents a person’s predisposition to respond favorably or unfavorably toward something. In the context of this study, attitude refers to women’s beliefs, perceptions, and feelings about family planning methods. This includes their openness to using contraception, their level of support for the practice, and the cultural or personal factors that may influence their decision to adopt or reject family planning methods.
Women of Childbearing Age (WCBA): Women of childbearing age refers to females who are biologically capable of becoming pregnant, typically considered to be in the age range of 15 to 49 years old. This demographic is often the focus of studies related to reproductive health, as it represents the group of women who are most likely to be engaged in family planning decisions. It’s important to note that this definition can vary slightly based on cultural, social, and health factors, but the range of 15-49 years is the most commonly used in public health research.
Family Planning: Family planning refers to the practice of controlling the number and timing of children in a family through the use of contraception or other reproductive health methods. It involves the use of various methods (such as oral contraceptives, IUDs, condoms, sterilization, and fertility awareness) to help individuals and couples plan their families according to their personal, economic, and health circumstances. Family planning also includes counseling and education about reproductive health, ensuring that individuals have the information and resources to make informed decisions about when and how to have children.
Project – Assessing the knowledge and attitude of women of child bearing age toward family planning