Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Family Planning Among Women of Reproductive Age in Suva, Fiji in 2017

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to identify the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices of family planning among women of reproductive age in Suva, Fiji in 2017. Methods: A quantitative, cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire among women of reproductive age who attended three designated health clinics around Suva, Fiji from 15th March to 28th April 2017 was used. Using random sampling, those who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the study were asked to fill a questionnaire survey. Once the data was collected, it was analyzed with SPSS. Results: About 325 women participated in the study with the mean age of 31.53(± 7.35). Less than half (148 or 45.5 %) of the participants had a good level of knowledge towards family planning whereas 178 (53.5%) of them had a moderate level of knowledge of family planning. An overwhelming majority of the participants (176 or 54.2%) had high level of attitudes towards family planning. Only 3% of the respondents showed poor level of attitude towards family planning. With regards to practice, the participants showed a poor level of practice of family planning at 80 (24.6%) whereas those with good level of practice of family planning constituted only 31 (9.5%). Conclusion: This study provides a useful source of empirical information to policy makers to achieve the desired goals in family planning. These findings of the study will help health care providers promote family planning in Fiji.