FAMILY PLANNING METHODS IN NIGERIA: A SURVEY OF UMUOKPU TOWN IN AWKA SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study aimed at finding out the family planning methods used in Umuokpu Town in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. The components of the study investigated were limited to the following; contraceptive method used by men, contraceptive method used by women, and the effective use of natural family planning methods among couples. The descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The total population used for the study were one thousand, two hundred and fifty (1250) couples. The sample of the study consisted of 125 couples using proportionate stratified random sampling. The research tool for the study was questionnaire and test - retest reliability co-efficient of the study was (0.99) weighted mean and was used for data analysis. The following findings were made: Men mostly accepted the use of withdrawal and condom and rejected use of vasectomy; Majority of the women disagreed with the use of family planning methods while minority of them agreed with the use of family planning methods; Many of the couples disagreed with the use of natural family planning methods while most of the couples do effectively agreed with the use of natural family planning methods and
majority of the couples disagree within themselves in using family planning methods while minority of the couples agreed with the use of family planning methods. The findings of this study had some implications: It will help couples to avoid unwanted pregnancy, abortion and sexually transmitted diseases. It will also help to decrease the population increase. In view of
these, the following recommendations were made, seminars and workshops should be organized in villages to enlighten couples about the use of family planning methods. There should be nurses/counsellors in health centers in the communities to counsel couples to make wise choice and effective use of family planning methods.