Understanding of Family planning among women of Charbolack regarding Family Planning

Objectives: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding family planning among married women of reproductive age in Charbolack district, Balkh province, Afghanistan, where sociocultural, religious, and gender-based barriers often constrain access to reproductive health services. Methods: A convenience-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2023 to August 2024 among 443 married women aged 15–49 years. Data were collected using a structured, culturally adapted, and pre-tested questionnaire through face-to-face interviews conducted by trained female data collectors. Descriptive statistics were calculated using SPSS version 27. Results: The mean participant age was 25.53 years, with nearly half (46.7%) having no formal education. Awareness of injectable contraceptives (80.4%) and oral pills (75.8%) was relatively high, but actual use was limited (36.6% and 26.0%, respectively). 44% known condoms but used by only 1.8%. Major barriers to FP use included belief that it is a sin (81.7%), fear of side effects (70.9%), and husband's disapproval (68.0%). Knowledge gaps and misconceptions persisted, such as 62.5% believing women determine the baby’s gender. While 51.9% reported using FP, many expressed fear or shame in discussing it with spouses. Only 31.8% had spoken to a health worker about FP, and just 20.2% had accessed FP services. Conclusion: Despite moderate awareness, actual contraceptive use remains low due to religious beliefs, sociocultural constraints, and limited-service access. Targeted interventions including community education, male engagement, and culturally sensitive outreach are urgently needed to bridge the knowledge-practice gap and improve reproductive autonomy in rural Afghan communities.