Predictive factors to access and use of family planning services by rural and semi-urban dwellers in Afikpo North Local Government area, Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Pregnancy and childbirth are important periods when women of reproductive age frequently come in contact with healthcare facilities and providers. These periods afford them the privilege for discussion and decision on post-partum family planning with healthcare providers. Male partner consent has been shown to have a positive impact on access and uptake of modern contraception. This study was aimed at assessing the availability, uptake and male partner consent for post-partum family planning (PPFP) amongst rural and semi-urban dwellers in Afikpo North local government area of Ebonyi state, Nigeria. The study conducted on 205 postpartum women, 40 health workers at the primary health centres (PHCs) and traditional birth attendants (TBAs) in Afikpo North LGA were selected by a random sampling technique. Information was obtained via 3 categories of interviewer-administered questionnaire for the different categories of individuals involved in the study. Data analyses was done using SPSS version 21.0. The overall findings showed a high prevalence of grand multiparity (51.2%) and child-bearing at extremities of reproductive age (20.5%) despite generally good awareness of modern contraception (92.7%) and availability of family planning services and modern birth control methods in all the PHC facilities. Of note is that a good percentage of the women received antenatal care (38.1%) or had their last delivery at TBAs places (42.4%) despite the fact that only 60% of the TBAs are aware of modern family planning methods and none of them offer family planning services. The prevalence of modern contraceptive usage was 41.5% and the male partner consent was present in 72.9% of modern contraceptive users. Despite high level of awareness and availability of modern family planning services, the TBAs should be more sensitized in order to improve the uptake of PPFP. La grossesse et l'accouchement sont des périodes importantes pendant lesquelles les femmes en âge de procréer entrent fréquemment en contact avec les établissements de santé et les prestataires de soins. Ces périodes leur donnent le privilège de discuter et de prendre des décisions sur la planification familiale post-partum avec les prestataires de soins de santé. Il a été démontré que le consentement du partenaire masculin a un impact positif sur l'accès et l'utilisation de la contraception moderne. Cette étude visait à évaluer la disponibilité, l'adoption et le consentement du partenaire masculin pour la planific