Knowledge of Family Planning Methods and Practice among Married Couples in Rural Benue State, Nigeria

The study examines knowledge of family planning methods and sources of knowledge about family planning, as well as the practice of these methods among couples in rural Benue State, Nigeria. This article presents findings to inform family planning policy, particularly regarding the knowledge and use of family planning methods in rural communities in Benue State. This evidence-based study was conducted among 395 respondents using a questionnaire and interviews with five key experts. The study was conducted in 12 communities across six local government areas in Benue State. Findings show that the common family planning methods identified by participants were the pill, condoms, injectables, implants, the calendar method, periodic abstinence, the withdrawal method, and the IUD. Knowledge of specific methods showed that the most commonly known family planning methods among rural couples were implants, which accounted for about 37.3%, followed by injectables at 29.3% and condoms at 8.0%. The findings also revealed that the least-known family planning methods were the calendar method (2.7%), followed by the withdrawal method (3.0%) and the IUD (3.0%). Results show that the implant was the most commonly used family planning method, at 34.6%, while the least commonly used was the withdrawal method, at 3.2%. The findings also show that 36.5% of respondents obtained their knowledge of family planning from a health facility. The study recommended increasing awareness of all commonly used family planning methods to address misconceptions and fear of side effects among couples in rural areas of Benue State.