Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices of Family Planning Among Women Attending Primary Health Care Centers in Aden Governorate, Yemen

الملخص

Background: Family planning (FP) is vital for reducing maternal and child mortality, yet Yemen faces high fertility, low contraceptive use, and persistent cultural barriers.

Objective: This study was aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding FP among women attending primary health care facilities in Aden Governorate, Yemen.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a pre-tested interview questionnaire among women of reproductive age and those over 46. Data were analyzed for sociodemographic associations with FP KAP.

Results: According to knowledge among women, 91.9% of participants had heard about family planning (FP), mainly from health services (29.1%) and friends/family (26.3%). Most knew about pills (86.9%), IUDs (79.4%), and condoms (67.2%), but 47.8% believed FP had negative effects (e.g., bleeding, anxiety). The attitudes of respondents were that 89.7% agreed that FP was important for health, but 62.2% feared long-term fertility effects, and 32.8% perceived religious influences. Ninety-three-point eight percent supported male involvement in FP decisions. Regarding the practices, 76.3% had used contraception (pills: 26.3%, natural methods: 24.4%), but only 42.2% were currently using FP. The main reasons for discontinuation were desire for pregnancy (41.6%) and side effects (29.7%). Higher education and income correlated with better FP knowledge (p=0.0001). In contrast, rural and low-income groups had lower KAP scores.

Conclusion: High-grade education predicts better FP knowledge and practices. Low-income and rural populations need tailored FP programs. The study reveals strong foundational knowledge and attitudes, but it also highlights significant gaps in method-specific awareness and practice. Family planning utilization and maternal and child health outcomes may be enhanced by interventions.