Perception and practice of family planning among women seen in prenatal consultation in the Niamey I health district, Niger

Abstract

Introduction: Family planning is one of the main components of reproductive health. The objective of this work was to study knowledge, perceptions and practices in family planning. Material and methods: This was a prospective study over a period of 6 months carried out at the level of health centers in the Niamey I health district. The study population was made up of pregnant women attending Integrated Health Centers (CSI) for prenatal consultation. Results: We questioned 658 pregnant women. The average age was 26.14 years ± 5.84 with extremes ranging from 15 to 45 years. Those who had ever heard of family planning were 98.63%; the main sources of information were health centers with 59.73% and talks between women with 53.95%. Female practitioners were 71.93%, the dominant proxy place was health centers with 59.73%. The most used method was the pill with 58.38%. Women using contraceptive methods on their own were 68.28%, those who started using contraception after their first childbirth were 73.93%. The primigravidae with a subsequent desire to practice family planning were 88.64%. Conclusion: The concept of family planning is known to all women but not practiced by all. More communication about its importance is needed.