1.1 Introduction
Family planning is defined as the ability of individuals and couples to anticipate and attain their desired number of children, as well as the spacing and timing of their births, through the use of contraceptive methods and the treatment of infertility (World Health Organization [WHO], 2020). The perception of women towards family planning is a key determinant of the effectiveness and utilization of these programmes. Women's attitudes are often shaped by multiple factors such as cultural beliefs, religious doctrines, societal expectations, myths, level of education, and experiences with healthcare systems (Sedgh, Ashford, & Hussain, 2016).
As a prelude to other parts of this study, this chapter will discuss the background upon which this study was initiated, the statement of problems that led to this study, the Aim and Objectives of the study. Others are Significance of the study, Scope of work, Research hypothesis and questions, Limitation of the study and Definition of terms.
1.2 Background of the Study
In Nigeria, formal family planning programmes were introduced in the 1960s with the establishment of the Family Planning Council of Nigeria, which later merged with the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN). According to Adegbola (2008), early adoption of family planning services in Nigeria was slow, as women's perception was influenced by cultural traditions, male dominance in decision-making, and limited awareness of contraceptive benefits. Many women reported concerns about side effects and perceived family planning as a Western strategy to control African population growth (Adegbola, 2008). In recent decades, globalization, improved access to education, and the influence of media have significantly altered how women perceive family planning. Muttreja and Singh (2018) asserted that younger generations of women, particularly those in urban areas, are more likely to accept family planning as a means of pursuing educational, economic, and health opportunities.
Family planning has been globally recognized as an essential public health intervention that improves the health of women, children, and families. According to the World Health Organization (2020), family planning enables individuals and couples to achieve their desired number of children and determine the spacing of pregnancies through effective contraceptive use and other fertility management methods. Cleland et al. (2012) reported that family planning contributes significantly to reducing maternal mortality, preventing unintended pregnancies, and improving socio-economic stability in households. They further asserted that access to and perception of family planning services are critical in ensuring the success of reproductive health programmes, especially in developing countries.
Women's perception of family planning is shaped by socio-cultural, economic, religious, and educational factors. Sedgh, Ashford, and Hussain (2016) stated that many women in developing nations avoid contraceptives due to fear of side effects, misconceptions, and societal pressure, which in turn leads to high rates of unintended pregnancies. Similarly, Eliason et al. (2014) affirmed that in many African communities, including Nigeria, traditional and religious beliefs strongly influence how women view family planning, with some associating it with reduced fertility, marital conflicts, or moral decline. On the other hand, studies have shown that women who perceive family planning positively often experience improved quality of life, better maternal health, and economic empowerment (Adepoju, 2015).
In Nigeria, the perception of family planning among women is deeply rooted in cultural norms and religious doctrines. The National Population Commission (NPC) and ICF (2019) contended that despite increasing awareness of family planning programmes in the country, the uptake remains relatively low compared to global standards. They reported that misconceptions, myths, and limited male involvement continue to hinder acceptance. Furthermore, access to family planning services is limited by systemic challenges such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure, lack of skilled personnel, and weak information dissemination strategies. Adebowale et al. (2014) asserted that rural women in Nigeria often have fewer opportunities to access contraceptive services compared to urban women, due to geographical, financial, and educational barriers. This study is set against the backdrop of these challenges, seeking to examine women's perception of family planning programmes and their implications for reproductive health and socio-economic development (Adebowale et al., 2014).
1.3 Statement of Problems
Investigation revealed that women's perception of family planning is shaped by both personal and societal experiences. In the Nigerian context, women's perception of family planning is also deeply tied to societal expectations of womanhood and motherhood. For some, having many children is considered a symbol of wealth, status, and continuity of lineage, while the idea of limiting childbirth is seen as unnatural or influenced by Western ideology.
Furthermore, inadequate access to services, shortage of trained personnel, and poor communication strategies weaken the impact of family planning programmes. On the other hand, limited awareness, myths surrounding contraceptive use, and lack of spousal support make many women reluctant to embrace family planning. Such barriers contribute to high fertility rates, unintended pregnancies, maternal mortality, and increased strain on family resources. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to explore women's perception of family planning programme.
1.4 Aim and Objectives of the Study
The aim of this study is to investigate women's perception of family planning programmes and their implications for reproductive health and socio-economic development. The specific objectives of this study are:
- To identify the socio-cultural, religious, and economic factors influencing women's perception of family planning.
- To examine the level of awareness of women about family planning programmes.
- To analyze women's attitudes towards contraceptive methods and family planning services.
- To determine the challenges that hinder women from accepting or utilizing family planning programmes.
- To provide recommendations on how to improve women's perception and acceptance of family planning services.
1.5 Research Questions
Based on the stated objectives, the study will address the following research questions:
- What is the level of awareness of women about family planning programmes?
- What socio-cultural, religious, and economic factors influence women's perception of family planning?
- How do women perceive contraceptive methods and family planning services?
- What are the challenges hindering women from accepting or utilizing family planning programmes?
- What measures can improve women's perception and acceptance of family planning services?
1.6 Significance of the Study
It is believed that at the completion of the study, the findings will contribute to academic knowledge by expanding research in reproductive health and gender studies. Also, Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and development partners will benefit as the study will inform advocacy, funding, and awareness strategies.
Furthermore, the results will serve as a guide for awareness campaigns, health education, and advocacy programmes targeted at improving reproductive health outcomes in Nigeria. In addition, women will benefit directly, as the findings will empower them with knowledge to make informed reproductive choices and improve their health and socio-economic opportunities.
Lastly, communities will benefit as improved perception and acceptance of family planning will reduce maternal mortality and enhance family well-being.
1.7 Research Hypotheses
In order to pursue the objective of this study, the following generalized statements have been designed to guide and aids in obtaining the result for the experiment to be conducted. For this work, the null hypothesis will be represented with H0 while the alternative hypothesis will be represented with hypothesis H1.
Hypothesis One
- H0: Women's level of awareness does not significantly influence their perception of family planning programmes.
- H1: Women's level of awareness significantly influences their perception of family planning programmes.
Hypothesis Two
- H0: There is no significant relationship between women's perception and the acceptance of family planning programmes.
- H1: There is a significant relationship between women's perception and the acceptance of family planning programmes.
Hypothesis Three
- H0: Economic factors have no significant relationship with women's acceptance of family planning services.
- H1: Economic factors have a significant relationship with women's acceptance of family planning services.
1.8 Scope of the Study
This study is limited to women in Oyo State, Nigeria, with a particular focus on women of reproductive age who have varying experiences and exposure to family planning programmes. The scope covers perceptions, attitudes, challenges, and influencing factors such as culture, religion, and economic status.
1.9 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, there were some problems encountered which stood as limitations to the research work. Some of the limitations include:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).
- Initial Cooperation Delay from Respondents: A particular limitation of this work came as a result of the respondent refusal to offer their cooperation at the initial time they were contacted. This contributed in making the success of this research study difficult.
1.10 Definition of Terms
Family Planning:
Family planning is the practice of controlling the number of children one has and the intervals between their births through the use of contraceptives or other fertility control methods (WHO, 2020). It is a strategy that helps women and couples make informed reproductive choices.
Perception:
Perception is the way individuals interpret and understand an idea or phenomenon based on their experiences, culture, and beliefs (Schacter, 2012). In this study, it refers to how women view and interpret family planning programmes.
Contraceptives:
Contraceptives are medical methods, devices, or practices used to prevent pregnancy. They include modern methods such as pills, injectables, intrauterine devices (IUDs), implants, and traditional methods such as withdrawal (Cleland et al., 2012).
Maternal Mortality:
Maternal mortality refers to the death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of delivery due to complications related to pregnancy or childbirth (WHO, 2019).
Reproductive Health:
Reproductive health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being in all matters relating to the reproductive system, including the ability to have a satisfying and safe sex life, the capability to reproduce, and the freedom to decide if, when, and how often to do so (UNFPA, 2018).
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