Scholarly Article
Perceptions of Family Planning Integration across Health Service Units among WomenAttending Antenatal Care in Gurage Zones, Ethiopia
Fikadu, Yohannes, Melis , Tamirat, Abera, Mengistu, Sahile, Ayele
2026-02-16 · Jefore Ethiopian Journal of Applied Sciences · Wolkite University
Abstract
Unintended pregnancy is a significant public health concern, particularly in Sub-Saharan African countries. Notably, positive perception towards family planning integration among women is impactful in decreasing maternal morbidity and mortality, which also helps to normalize family planning services in the general health care system. This study assessed women's perceptions of family planning integration across health service units among antenatal care attendees in Gurage Zones, Ethiopia. A facility-based study nested within a quasi-experimental study was conducted from December 2023 to October 2024 in two hospitals and six health centers in the two Gurage Zones. A consecutive sampling method was used to recruit 388 third-trimester pregnant women. Structured, interviewer-administered questionnaires using kobo toolbox were used to gather data, and descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used for the analysis. This study revealed that 76.03% of participants held negative perceptions toward the integration of family planning, whereas 23.97% expressed positive perceptions. Age, religious affiliation, education, and occupation were significant socio-demographic determinants. Women aged 25-34 and ≥35 years, those from certain religious backgrounds, and participants with primary or no formal education were more likely to report positive perceptions, while housewives were less likely to report positive perceptions compared to government employees. This study revealed that perceptions toward family planning integration into the general health care system remain low. Targeted interventions are very important to address the negative perception in the community. Tailoring health education and counseling strategies, like decisional aids, can contribute to improved maternal health outcomes.
Keywords
Family planning, Family planning perception, Maternal health, Reproductive health services, Unintended pregnancy
Citation Details
Jefore Ethiopian Journal of Applied Sciences, pp. 69-85