Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Family Planning Among Women of Childbearing Age in Offa Local Government Area: A Cross-Sectional Community Survey of Reproductive Health Determinants and Contraceptive Prevalence in Kwara State, North-Central Ni

Background: High fertility rates and limited contraceptive prevalence present significant public health challenges in sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to elevated maternal morbidity and mortality. This study evaluated the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of family planning among women of childbearing age (15–49 years) within Offa Local Government Area, Kwara State, Nigeria. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional community survey design was utilized. Multi-stage sampling was employed to select 180 respondents across the local government area. Data were collected using a structured, pre-tested questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, baseline awareness of contraceptive methods, socio-cultural attitudes, and actual utilization patterns. Quantitative analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, and percentage evaluations. Results: The findings revealed a high level of baseline awareness regarding family planning methods (88.3%), with modern contraceptives such as injectables and oral pills being the most recognized. Attitudes toward family planning were generally positive, with 72.2% acknowledging its benefits for maternal and child health. However, a significant knowledge-practice gap was identified, as actual contraceptive utilization stood at only 41.6%. The primary barriers to adoption included socio-cultural misconceptions, fear of side effects, and partner non-approval. Conclusion: While institutional awareness of family planning is robust, actual utilization remains constrained by entrenched socio-cultural factors and partner dynamics. Public health nursing interventions must pivot toward community-level engagement, male involvement strategies, and the eradication of systemic misconceptions to bridge the knowledge-practice gap and optimize maternal health outcomes in semi-urban Nigerian settings.