Effectiveness of voluntary family planning services among young married couples in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State Nigeria

Abstract

Unintended pregnancy is one of the major issues affecting reproductive health in Nigeria. In Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State, Nigeria, we noticed that one in every five pregnancies is unplanned. Many women who have mistimed pregnancies resort to abortions, which are essentially performed in dangerous conditions. Therefore, we sought to understand from 210 young married couples how effective voluntary family planning services are to curb the problem of unplanned pregnancies in Abia State’s Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area. The framework provided by contraceptive decision theory was helpful in the thematic analysis of the data. Findings reveal voluntary family planning is effective at averting pregnancies, but there are limited contraceptive options available for individuals. Our findings indicated white-coria and osu-oji (forms of traditional contraceptives) as efficacious in preventing pregnancy. Recommendations on the effectiveness of family planning services were made.