Abstract

This study examined women’s awareness, perception, and turnout rate for family planning in Ekiti State, Nigeria, while identifying factors influencing participation in family planning programs. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 1,350 married women selected through a multistage sampling technique across the three senatorial districts of the state. Instruments included the Family Planning Perception Questionnaire (FPPQ) and a pro-forma for documenting turnout rates, both of which were validated for clarity and reliability. Findings revealed that the majority of women held positive perceptions toward family planning, yet overall turnout remained low, indicating a gap between awareness and actual utilization of services. Correlation analysis showed a significant negative relationship between perception and turnout, suggesting that negative perceptions reduced participation, while favorable attitudes were associated with higher engagement. Analysis of variance further demonstrated that religion and educational level significantly influenced turnout rates, highlighting the role of sociocultural and knowledge-related factors in reproductive health decision-making. These findings underscore the need for strategies that go beyond awareness campaigns, focusing on addressing religious, cultural, and educational barriers to enhance women’s participation in family planning. The study recommends community-based education, religious engagement, male involvement, and improved health service delivery as critical interventions for increasing uptake of family planning services in Ekiti State.

Keywords: Family planning, Women’s perception, Turnout rate, Education, Religion,

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