An Assessment of Knowledge, attitude and practice of family planning methods among the rural Hausa Women in Kano, Nigeria.

Author(s)

Abstract
If many women in rural Kano are not using family planning, it is not due to a lack of knowledge. Knowledge of contraception is nearly universal; 98 percent of currently married women know at least one modern family planning method. About two out of every five women (43 percent) have knowledge of at least one traditional method. Yet only 45 percent of married women in Kano are currently using some method of contraception, but less than the national average (48 percent). Contraceptive prevalence in Kano is considerably higher in urban areas (59 percent) than in rural areas (42 percent).ObjectivesTo assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of family planning methods, and factors that could affect their use, among the rural females of reproductive age group (15-49 years). MethodsA total of 326 females of reproductive age group (15-49years) from the thirty seven rural local government areas of Kano state were selected randomly and interviewed with the help of semi-structured interview schedule, which consists of demographic data, questions related to knowledge, attitude and practice of different contraceptive methods and factors affecting the use of these methods.ResultsMost of the respondents (79%) were aware of at least one contraceptive method. The most common source of information on contraception was Health staffs (46%), followed by non-governmental organization workers (42.5%), media (7.5%) and relatives/friends (4%). Knowledge of non-contraceptive benefits of family planning methods was claimed by only 19% of the respondents, while knowledge about various adverse effects was reported by 32% of the respondents. About 62% of respondents showed favorable attitude towards family planning methods while other (34%) are against it and rest 4% didn't responded. About 53% of respondents had ever used any family planning methods. 26% respondents were using contraceptive methods at the time of study. Intrauterine devices were the most commonly used method (46%) followed by condom (22%), female sterilization (21%) and oral contraceptive pills (11%). The most common reason for discontinuation of contraceptive methods was stated as refusal by husband and side effects.ConclusionThis study reveals that with increase in level of education, awareness also increased. Most of the respondents have the considerable knowledge and favorable attitude towards contraceptive methods but a wide knowledge practice gap was evident in this study, which was similar to the findings of studies done in other developing countries. Improved female education strategies and better access to services are needed to solve these problems. The use of communication media suitable for audience and adequate message is important in conducting effective family planning awareness activities. Efforts should be made to educate the public about the safety and convenience of modern, long term, reversible methods of contraception among both healthcare professionals and the public.

Keywords
Knowledge, Attitude, Practice, Family Planning, Contraceptives, Rural Females

Cite this paper
Ibrahim S. Yar’Zever, Ibrahim Rabiu, An Assessment of Knowledge, attitude and practice of family planning methods among the rural Hausa Women in Kano, Nigeria. , SCIREA Journal of Health. Volume 3, Issue 4, August 2019 | PP. 79-88.

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