DETERMINANT FACTORS OF MODERN FAMILY PLANNING PRACTICES AMONGWOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE: A THEORETICAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Modern Family planning is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent maternal, infant, and
child mortality. This paper x-rays the determinant factors of modern family planning practices
among women of reproductive age in a theoretical perspective. Data collected for this paper
were mostly through secondary sources. Findings show that knowledge about modern planning,
women's approval of the practice, perceived husband’s approval of contraception, and couples
discussion about modern family planning are the proximate determinants of modern family
planning practice among women of reproductive age. The paper concludes that traditions and
misunderstanding are affecting the utilization of modern family planning thereby preventing
women of reproductive age to make knowledgeable choices. Premised on these observations, the
study recommends that there is a need to expand and intensify education on modern family
planning programmes to adequately cater to women of reproductive age, and modern family
planning providers should provide accurate, unbiased, and essential information about the
various contraceptive methods. This would remove the problem of both real and imagined side
effects of helping women to make informed choices.