Utilisation of Family Planning Services Among Women of Reproductive Age in Lokoja, Kogi State

Background: Family planning remains a critical component of reproductive health, yet utilisation rates among women of reproductive age in the North Central geopolitical zone of Nigeria continue to fall below national targets. This study assesses the level of utilisation and determinants of family planning service uptake among women in Lokoja, Kogi State. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 280 women of reproductive age recruited through multistage sampling. A pre-tested structured questionnaire was administered by trained research assistants. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of family planning utilisation. Results: Contraceptive prevalence rate was low, with injectable contraceptives being the most commonly used method. Spousal disapproval and religious concerns were the dominant barriers to utilisation. Women with secondary or tertiary education were significantly more likely to use family planning services. Conclusion: Family planning utilisation in Lokoja remains hindered by socio-cultural and gender-related barriers. Family medicine practitioners should adopt a couple-centred counselling approach and engage community and religious leaders as champions of reproductive health. Keywords: family planning, contraception, reproductive health, Lokoja, Kogi State