CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study
Birth control, also known as family planning, anti conception, and fertility control, is
a method or device used to prevent pregnancy. Birth control has been used since
ancient times, but effective and safe methods of birth control only became available in
the 20th century. Planning, making available and using birth control is called family
planning. Some cultures limit or discourage access to birth control because they
consider it to be morally, religiously, or politically undesirable. The term birth control
is a bit of a misnomer since abortion is not regularly considered under the term
(Alkas, 2023). A large proportion of the population growth is occurring in the least
developed parts of the world, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. To address the
population growth and the strain that it places on societal resources, there is an
increased focus on strategies to reduce fertility rates, which has been incorporated in
the Millennium Development Goals to improve maternal and child health. In many
Sub-Saharan African countries, the goal of increasing family planning uptake remains
tenuous. Many programs throughout the area have received funding in an attempt to
address the high levels of unmet needs in family planning, (Alkas, 2023).
Nigeria in particular remains a focus for increasing family planning use, as it is one of
the most populous countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria has a high total fertility
rate (TFR), estimated to be between 5.5 and 5.7 for women of reproductive age (15–
49). Low rates of family planning use are also pervasive in Nigeria (Alkas,
2023)Approximately 15% of married women report using family planning and 16%
report an unmet need for family planning services. The majority of family planning
users in Nigeria rely on modern methods (10% of currently married women), 5% use
traditional methods, 3% use injectable, and 2% use male condoms or pills as a method
of family planning(Alkas, 2023).
Only 2.1 percent of married women in Bauchi State are using a modern method of
family planning, which is lower than the national rate of 10 per cent. (Hussain, 2020).
1.2 Statement of the Problem
It is estimated worldwide that about 200,000 women die annually due to complication
from illegal abortion (Kumar et al, 2023). Religious, social and traditional beliefs
have contributed a lot in preventing women from accepting the concept of family
planning. Furthermore, many women are found of giving birth to many children
without considering the consequences that may be course and without catering for the
children, (WHO, 2023).
Twenty five 25 million (17%) of the 142 million infants born, have low birth weight
has been estimated, as 23.6 million of these were born in developing countries,
including Bauchi, where the percentage is 19% which result from adequate spacing
of children, therefore it is a serious problem that call for investigation (WHO, 2023).
knowledge and utilization of family planning can prevent pregnancy (Yako and Yako,
2023).
1.3 Aims and Objectives of the Study
The aim is to assess the awareness and utilization of family planning among women
of child bearing age in Urban maternity Kasuwar Kaji Azare Bauchi State. The
objectives are:
1. To find out the total number of women at child bearing age attending Urban
Maternity Kasuwar Kaji Azare Bauchi State.
2. To assess the level of Awareness of family planning among women at child
bearing age attending Urban Maternity Kasuwar Kaji Azare Bauchi State.
3. To assess the level of utilization of family planning among women at child
bearing age attending Urban Maternity Kasuwar Kaji Azare Bauchi State.
4. To identify the factors influencing the utilization of family planning services
among women of child bearing age attending Urban Maternity Kasuwar Kaji
Azare Bauchi State.
1.4 Research Questions
1. What are the total numbers of women at child bearing age attending Urban
Maternity Kasuwar Kaji Azare Bauchi State?
2. What is the level of Knowledge of family planning among women at child
bearing age attending Urban Maternity Kasuwar Kaji Azare Bauchi State?
3. What are the levels of utilization of family planning among women at child
bearing age attending Urban Maternity Kasuwar Kaji Azare Bauchi State?
4. What are the factors that influence the utilization of family planning services
among women at child bearing age attending Urban Maternity Kasuwar Kaji
Azare Bauchi State.
1.5 Significance of the Study
1. The result that will be obtain from the research will be useful to researchers to
have more knowledge on family planning and serve as a source of literature
to others.
2. It will be beneficial to women of child bearing age in knowing the method of
family planning.
3. It will also benefit government in policy making and population control.
1.6 Scope of the Study
The study will be limited to women at child bearing age and family planning method
in Urban Maternity Kasuwar Kaji Azare Bauchi State , the focus will be on awareness
and utilization of family planning method irrespective of religion, cultural background
and socio-economic status.
1.7 Operational Definition of Terms
1. Knowledge: this can be defined as the fact, information acquired through the
experience or education.
2. Birth: Delivering the product of conception.
3. Conception: The fusion of spermatozoa and ovum to form a viable zygote, the
onset of pregnancy.
4. Family planning Method: Is the use of drug or device to prevent unwanted
pregnancy.
5. Family Planning: is the consideration the number of children a person wishes to
have.
6. Attending: be present at (an event, meeting, or function).
7. Pregnancy: The condition of having developing embryo or fetus within the body
(uterus), the stage from conception to delivery.
8. Intrauterine devices(IUDs): Small devices inserted into the uterus to prevent
pregnancy.
9. Sterilization: permanent methods of birth control, such as tubal ligation or
vasectomy.
10. Hormonal method: Methods that use hormones to prevent ovulation or thicken
cervical mucus, such as birth control pills, patches, and rings.
