Knowledge, Notions and Practice of Family Planning Among Rural Women in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined the knowledge, notions and practice of family planning among child bearing
women in rural Akwa Ibom State. A total of 550 respondents were selected randomly from 55 rural
communities where primary health care services are provided for pregnant women. Data on the sociodemographic and economic status of respondents as well as their knowledge, notions and utilization of family planning were collected through a well-structured questionnaire. Frequency counts of responses and their corresponding percentages were calculated and presented in tables. Sixty- nine percent of respondents expressed fair knowledge of family planning and a moderate utilization level tilted towards the natural methods. The majority of respondents appear to hold misconstrued notions on family planning shaped by cultural, economic and religion biases. Re-orientation, re-sensitization and mental re-construction should form the main package of future family planning campaign in rural areas.