Socio- Economic Status and the Utilization of Modern Family Planning Methods among Sexually Active Women in Nasarawa Southern Senatorial Zone

Abstract

This study assessed socio-economic status and the utilization of modern family planning methods among sexually active women in Nasarawa South Senatorial Zone, Nasarawa State. This is premised on the thesis thatthe family being the bedrock of society, there is the need for proper family planning to drive meaningful development. The study specifically examined key socio-economic factors affecting the utilization of modern family planning methods among sexually active women in Nasarawa South Senatorial Zone of Nasarawa State. Such factors include level of education, occupation, income and location of residence. Data were collected using Questionnaire and key informant interview (KII). A total of 1067 questionnaire copies was administered, out of which 1,025, representing 96.1% return rate, were used for the analysis. The study which was conducted in Awe, Doma, Keana, Lafia and Obi, the five Local Government Areas that constitute the Nasarawa South Senatorial Zone, found that location of residence, educational level, occupation and income level, influence use of modern family planning methods among women in the study location and. recommends that Government and Non-Governmental organizations should intensify campaigns on girl-child education, enhance vocational and income generating activities for women and girls as well as create job opportunities for women to mitigate poverty. It also recommends that appropriate contraceptives should be made available to desiring women to boost family planning.