ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND PERCEPTION OF FAMILY PLANNING METHODS AMONG RURAL DWELLERS IN NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study aimed to study the access to information and perception of family planning methods among rural dwellers in Niger State. The research aimed to ascertain the stipulations of Primary Healthcare Center in rural communities rendering family planning in Niger State and family planning awareness of rural communities on benefits and methods available. The Lots Quality Assurance Survey method was adopted. 60 married women in 6 settlements across 6 local government areas were sampled. Findings indicated that Primary Health Facilities in rural communities rendered varieties of family planning services with options of injectable, pills, condom, implants and IUDs respectively. Few facilities offered Lactation Amenorrhea Method and female sterilization but no health facility offered male sterilization. A good number of respondents in rural communities are aware of family planning with injectable being most popular; however there is poor patronage of Health Facilities for family planning services because a high number of respondents believe family planning comes with a lot of side effects and a proportion of respondents have reservations on family planning due to religious beliefs. Although a good proportion of respondents believe family planning methods are easily accessible and effective, a high number of respondents are not currently on any family planning method.