A Review of Socio-Cultural Factors Militating the Use of Family Planning Services in Nigeria

Review Article

Abstract

Family planning is an important component of reproductive health that affects the lives of women, their family members and the nation as a whole. Access to safe, effective and affordable family planning services is recognised by the world health organisation as a universal human right. This review paper is premised on the socio-cultural factors militating the use of family planning services in Nigeria. It reviewed the rational for the study as well as the specific objective which includes; to examine the influence of religious beliefs on the use of family planning services, to examine the influence of traditional cultural values on the use of family planning services, to examine the level of access and availability on the use of family planning services, to investigate the influence of level of education on the use of family planning services, and to examine the influence of socio-economic status on the use of family planning services in Nigeria. This review adopted doctrinal approach or secondary sources of data collection in order to ensure a diligent and meticulous approach to the research. The review in this study was obtained from previously published journals, articles, books that focused on the specific phenomenon being investigated. Findings based on the objectives review numerous socio-cultural factors affecting the use of family planning services in Nigeria including; disapproval, religious beliefs, cultural disapproval, long distances of sources, poor services of family planning clinics, limited knowledge and education, cost amongst others. It was recommended amongst others strategies aimed at improving access/availability to family planning services; the involvement of traditional/religious leaders, economic empowerment of women/education and continuous research aimed at improving safety and reducing side effect profile of the methods.