EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION AND PERCEPTION OF MODERN FAMILY PLANNING PRACTICE AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN KEFFI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF NASARAWA STATE-NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examines the educational attainment, religious affiliation and perception of modern
family planning practice among women of reproductive age in Keffi Local Government Area of
Nasarawa State, Nigeria. A survey design was adopted. A sample of 343 respondents were drawn,
using multi-stage sampling techniques involving electoral wards, towns/villages, main streets,
houses, households and individuals. Primary data were utilized in the study. The primary data
were generated through the use of questionnaires. The questionnaires were analyzed
quantitatively using chi-square and cross tabulation of variables. The findings show that the sociodemographic
characteristics (age, educational attainment and religion) of the respondents affect
the utilization of modern family planning practice thereby distressing the attitude and practices of
modern family planning practice among women of reproductive age in Keffi Local Government
Area of Nasarawa State, Nigeria. Therefore, the study recommends that government, Non-
Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and community-based organizations (CBOs) should
embark on behaviour change programmes to educate women on the importance of modern family
planning methods on the mother, the health of the Child, and the well-being of the society. Also,
an increase in community campaigns to raise awareness on the importance of modern
contraceptives among males (husbands) should be emphasized and should go along with those
involving women.