An investigation of socio-cultural factors influencing the use of family planning services among women (15-49) years of age in port Harcourt, Nigeria

Aim: The study was designed to investigate socio-cultural factors influencing the use of family planning services among women (15-49) years of age in a primary health centre typical of those in Port Harcourt, Nigeria Methods: Data was collected from 100 women who were between the ages of 15-49 and attending antenatal health care at the Model Primary Health Centre Port Harcourt Nigeria. Self-administered questionnaires were used to gather information on the influence of socio-cultural factors on the uptake of family planning. Findings: Bivariate analysis showed a significant relationship between education and women’s uptake of family planning, religion and contraception use. The majority of respondents (64%) indicated they do not access family planning services due to their spouse’s disapproval. Research limitations/implications: This was a study limited to 100 women from a specific region in Nigeria – further research is necessary to ascertain the general is ability of the study to a wider population. Practical implications: Husband decision making regarding contraceptive use was a strong determinant of family planning use among the population studied. Encouragement of male involvement in family planning should be encouraged alongside the establishment of strategies that empower women to make decisions about their reproductive health.