Thesis Abstract

The impact of family planning campaign on Ibagwa couples was studied to assess the effectiveness of the campaign in promoting family planning practices among couples in the Ibagwa community. The study utilized a mixed-method approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods. A total of 300 couples from the Ibagwa community were surveyed to gather quantitative data on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices related to family planning. Additionally, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted with a subset of participants to obtain qualitative insights into their perceptions of the family planning campaign. The results of the study indicated that the family planning campaign had a significant impact on the knowledge and attitudes of Ibagwa couples towards family planning. The majority of couples reported an increase in their knowledge of different family planning methods as a result of the campaign. Furthermore, there was a positive shift in attitudes towards family planning, with many couples expressing greater acceptance of the practice. In terms of family planning practices, the study found that the campaign had led to an increase in the use of modern contraceptive methods among Ibagwa couples. The prevalence of contraceptive use among couples who participated in the campaign was significantly higher compared to those who did not. This suggests that the campaign was successful in promoting the uptake of family planning services in the community. Qualitative findings from the focus group discussions and interviews provided valuable insights into the factors influencing couples' decision-making regarding family planning. Participants highlighted the importance of access to information and services, as well as the role of community influencers in shaping attitudes towards family planning. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that family planning campaigns can have a positive impact on couples' knowledge, attitudes, and practices in relation to family planning. By increasing awareness and promoting the uptake of modern contraceptive methods, such campaigns have the potential to contribute to improved reproductive health outcomes in communities like Ibagwa. However, sustained efforts are needed to ensure continued support for family planning initiatives and to address any remaining barriers to access and utilization of services.

Thesis Overview

This chapter focuses on the review of related literature. It aims at examining studies, publications made by different scholars in the past which formed textbooks, journals, magazines, unpublished project (research) works. For the purpose of carrying out effective review of literature on the topic; the researchers organized the review into the following sub-headings: i. The concept of family planning ii. Methods of family planning iii. Importance of family planning iv. Factors militating against family planning.

The concept of family planning

Family planning, also called conception control (Nnubia, 1999) is a method of controlling the number of children per couple. The concept on a lay man’s idea is planning the number of children one will have and the intervals between the births in the family by using both control or any method used to prevent the birth of a child. In this opinion Lucas (1968) sees family planning as the activity that enables every family to have as many children as they desire and when they want them. In his view this implies educating and encouraging couples to space or limit the number of children and thereby ensure optimal family health. Still on the concept, Ojo and Briggs (1982) states that family planning implies a situation where fertile couples space out their children and have the number of children they want and at the time they desire them. In the opinion of Suleiman (1992) family planning is a way by which individual couples and families exercise their basic right in family formation to improve their lives, health and life expectancy.

Looking at family planning as a factor in controlling world population, the world health organization (WHO, 1971) sees family planning as:

A way of thinking and living that is adopted. Voluntarily upon the basis of knowledge, attitudes and responsible decision by individuals and couples in order to promote the health and welfare of the family group, and this contributes effectively to the social development of the country. Family Planning Campaign