Knowledge, Perceptions, Utilization, and Determinants of Modern Contraceptive Use Among Internally Displaced Women in Conflict-Affected Sudan—A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Background Since April 2023, armed conflict in Sudan has displaced nearly 10 million people and devastated the health system, leaving millions of women without access to reproductive health services. Despite this crisis, empirical data on family planning among internally displaced women in Sudan remain scarce. Objective This study assessed knowledge, perceptions, utilization, and barriers to modern contraceptive use among internally displaced women in Eastern Sudan, and identified factors associated with current contraceptive use. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2026 among 257 internally displaced women aged 18–55 years in host communities across Eastern Sudan. Data were collected through structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. Multivariable binary logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with current contraceptive use. Results Current modern contraceptive use was 30.0% (77/257). Knowledge gaps were substantial: while 83.7% had heard of family planning, awareness of specific methods beyond oral pills was low (44.4% injectables, 37.0% implants). Over half (53.3%) believed pills cause infertility. Access barriers were pervasive: only 20.6% had nearby services; 70.9% reported violence affected healthcare-seeking. Independent predictors of use included university education (AOR = 2.31, 95%CI:1.18–4.52), family planning counseling (AOR = 3.84, 95%CI:2.01–7.34), nearby facility (AOR = 2.67, 95%CI:1.33–5.36), partner approval (AOR = 4.52, 95%CI:2.19–9.31), and adequate information (AOR = 3.11, 95%CI:1.02–9.48). Violence affecting healthcare access reduced odds (AOR = 0.48, 95%CI:0.25–0.91). Conclusion Internally displaced women in Sudan face a confluence of barriers to family planning—misperceptions, service collapse, partner opposition, and violence. Urgent investments in counseling, community engagement, and accessible service delivery are essential to address this reproductive health crisis.