KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, AND UTILIZATION OF CONTRACEPTIVES AMONG MARRIED WOMEN: A CROSSSECTIONAL STUDY IN ARI RURAL COMMUNITY OF NINGI LGA, BAUCHI STATE, NORTHEASTERN NIGERIA

The importance of contraceptive usage among married women cannot be overstated, as it plays a pivotal role in birth control and reproductive health. While other research has looked into family planning issues in other groups, this study stands out because it's specifically focused on the Ari rural area of Bauchi state. The objectives encompass assessment of the awareness, perception and usage of contraceptives, examining this will contribute valuable insights that can inform and improve birth spacing programs in the region. A descriptive cross-sectional study design was used for the study. Data was collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Multi stage sampling technique was used to select sample size of 278. The data were analysed using the SPSS statistical package, version 28. The findings revealed 38.50% had good knowledge of contraception. Positive attitudes toward contraceptive use was 43.88%. Slightly higher contraceptive practice with 142 (51%) against the no practice of 136(49%) was revealed. The commonest contraceptives used were injectable 55(38.7%). Many married women in the rural area lacked sufficient knowledge of contraceptives. Comprehensive education initiatives to raise awareness of contraceptives and their benefits should be implemented.