Socio-Demographic Characteristics and Acceptance of Family Planning Methods among Married Persons in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

Family planning acceptance remains a global health challenge especially in Sub-Saharan Africa where culture, religion, lack of knowledge and ignorance determine FPMs acceptance.  The study investigated the differences in levels of acceptance of family planning methods among married persons in Abakaliki Education Zone of Ebonyi State by socio-demographic variables of education, gender, religion and location. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select four Local Government Areas from Abakaliki education zone (2 urban, 2 rural) and 1,098 married persons for the study. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire titled Acceptance of Family Planning Methods Questionnaire (AFPMQ). The instrument was subjected to face validity. The reliability score of the instrument was 0.75 using Cronbach alpha. Data were collated and analyzed using mean and standard deviation, criterion mean score of 2.50. Inferential statistics of t-test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) statistics were used to test the hypotheses at alpha level of 0.05. The results of the study showed that there was low level of acceptance of all family planning methods (Mean values < 2.50). Results also showed that level of acceptance of family planning methods differed significantly among married persons by education, gender, religion and location (p < 0.05). The study concluded that acceptance of FPMs among married person in Abakaliki Education Zone was generally and recommended, that family planning programme designs must incorporate all shades of belief, values and convictions in program planning and that government at all levels should partner with religious organizations and traditional rulers to help create more awareness of FPMs through intensive health education, as this will help to increase the level of acceptance of FPMs

Keywords: Family planning methods, acceptance, gender, age, education, location, married persons