FACTORS AFFECTING THE ACCEPTABILITY OF FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES IN IKWUANO L.G.A, ABIA STATE

This study investigates the factors influencing the acceptance of family planning services in Ikwuano Local Government Area (L.G.A), Abia State, Nigeria. Family planning is a crucial strategy for improving maternal and child health, yet rural areas in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ikwuano, continue to exhibit low contraceptive uptake. The study examines three communities: Amvwom, Ndoru, and Amaoba, with a sample of 279 respondents. The demographic characteristics, knowledge of family planning methods, factors influencing acceptance, barriers to utilization, and sources of information were analyzed. The majority of respondents (45%) were aged 25-34 years, and 43% had secondary education. Traders and farmers were the predominant occupational groups. Family planning awareness was high, with 93% having heard of it. Condoms and oral contraceptives were the most commonly known methods, recognized by 75% and 65% of respondents, respectively. Cultural and religious beliefs were found to significantly impact family planning acceptance, with 71% indicating negative cultural influences and 62% reporting religious opposition. Spousal support was relatively balanced, while economic factors such as affordability affected decision-making, with 50% finding services expensive. Barriers to family planning acceptance included fear of side effects (39%), misconceptions (32%), and cultural/religious beliefs (48%). Health workers were the primary source of information, with 61% relying on them. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions addressing cultural, religious, and economic barriers to enhance family planning uptake in rural areas like Ikwuano.