AWARENESS AND OPINION REGARDING THE USE OF CONTRACEPTIVE BY WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE IN GOMBE, NIGERIA

Abba Kale
Volume 12 Issue 3

Abstract

This study examined contraceptive awareness, attitudes, and utilization among women of reproductive age in Gombe, with a total of 100 questionnaires distributed and 80 successfully retrieved and analysed. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents were between 20–29 years and predominantly married, with secondary or tertiary education and diverse occupations, showing that socio-demographic factors strongly influence contraceptive awareness and use. Awareness of contraceptives was relatively high, with health workers, media, and peers serving as key sources of information, and oral pills, condoms, injectables, implants, and IUDs being the most commonly known methods. However, despite this high awareness, utilization remained relatively low due to socio-cultural and religious opposition, partner disapproval, fear of side effects, and persistent misconceptions such as infertility concerns. Economic challenges, limited access to nearby health facilities, stigma, and unfriendly attitudes of health workers further compounded the problem. While some respondents acknowledged the benefits of contraceptives in birth spacing and maternal-child health, deep-rooted cultural values that promote large families and resistance from religious leaders’ hindered acceptance. The study concluded that bridging the gap between awareness and actual use requires addressing social, cultural, and economic barriers, alongside improving affordability, accessibility, and health worker attitudes. Recommendations included intensified awareness campaigns, involvement of men and religious leaders, improved access to affordable services, reduction of stigma and misconceptions, capacity building for health workers, and women’s empowerment initiatives. The study highlights the importance of integrating family planning within cultural and religious contexts while promoting community-wide dialogue to enhance acceptance and utilization of contraceptives Keywords: Awareness, Opinion, Use, Contraceptive

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