Knowledge and Practice of Family Planning Methods Among Married Women in Gombe State

Family planning uptake in Gombe State, North East Nigeria, remains among the lowest in the country, contributing to high total fertility rates, closely spaced births, and elevated maternal mortality. This study assesses knowledge and practice of family planning methods among married women of reproductive age in Gombe State. A community-based cross-sectional survey enrolled 280 married women aged 15 to 49 years from Gombe, Akko, and Balanga LGAs using multistage sampling. A structured questionnaire measured awareness of specific family planning methods, current method use, reasons for non-use, and sources of family planning information. Awareness of at least one modern contraceptive method was high (89 percent), but current use of any modern method was only 14 percent. Injectable contraceptives (37 percent) and oral contraceptive pills (29 percent) were the most widely known. Spousal opposition (44 percent), religious concerns (31 percent), and fear of side effects (27 percent) were the dominant barriers to use. Health facility visits (62 percent) and community health workers (38 percent) were the primary information sources. The study identifies a substantial knowledge-practice gap in family planning in Gombe State, driven by socio-cultural and religious determinants. Recommendations include male partner engagement sessions, faith-based organisation partnerships, and trained family planning counsellors in all Gombe State PHCs to narrow this gap. Keywords: family planning, contraception, knowledge, Gombe State, reproductive health