ATTITUDE AND ACCEPTANCE OF FAMILY PLANNING DEVICES AMONG WOMEN ACCESSING HEALTHCARE SERVICES AT PRIMARY HEALTH CARE CENTRE IN KUJE AREA COUNCIL OF FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY ABUJA, NIGERIA

ABSTRACT This study explores the attitude and acceptance of family planning devices among women accessing healthcare services at Primary Health Care facilities in Kuje Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Despite numerous campaigns promoting family planning as a key strategy for reducing maternal mortality and improving reproductive health, uptake remains relatively low in several Nigerian communities due to sociocultural, religious, and educational barriers. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 450 women of reproductive age attending selected PHCs in Kuje. The findings revealed that while awareness of family planning methods is generally high, acceptance is influenced by factors such as spousal approval, religious beliefs, myths and misconceptions, and the level of education. The study concluded that a favorable attitude does not always translate into acceptance, highlighting the need for continuous community-based education and male involvement. It recommends strengthening health communication strategies, improving access to family planning services, and addressing culturally-rooted resistance to improve reproductive health outcomes in the region. KEYWORDS: Family Planning, Attitude, Acceptance, Contraceptive Devices, Women, INTRODUCTION Family planning is a vital component of reproductive health and a cornerstone for promoting maternal, child, and community well-being. It provides individuals and couples with the autonomy to determine freely and responsibly the number, timing, and spacing of their children. This decision-making ability has far-reaching implications for health, economic development, and gender equality (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021). By enabling women to prevent........