Assessment of the Public Health Implications of Poor Knowledge of Family Planning among Women of Childbearing Age in Jos North, Plateau State, Nigeria

Background: Family planning is identified as an essential component of Primary Health Care (PHC), as it plays a pivotal role in reducing maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality.

Objective: This study is therefore initiated to assess the implications of poor knowledge of family planning among women of childbearing age in Jos North LGA Plateau State.

Method: Data was collected qualitatively and quantitatively using survey questionnaire and in-depth interview (IDI) respectively. While seven (7) key informants were interviewed, 308 copies of questionnaire were administered but 293 were retrieved and analyzed.

Result: Finding of this study revealed that 96.3% of the respondents were knowledgeable of family planning and the socioeconomic implications of child spacing to the woman and the entire society. The study established that religious and cultural affiliation does not influence family planning in Jos North. From the finding, it was identified that the major obstacles militating against effective family planning uptake in Jos North is poor access to healthcare facilities and low level of awareness by women of childbearing age on the importance of child spacing. Notwithstanding, the study established that when women are knowledgeable of the social and economic benefit of family planning it will help in reducing the risk of unwanted pregnancy, abortion and maternal mortality rate.

Conclusion: Health professionals should create awareness among women of childbearing age, as this will improve family and economic well-being of the nation at large.