Perceived Benefits and Barriers of Family Planning Among In-School Teenagers in Adewole Ilorin, Kwara State

Abstract

Background: Adolescents constitute a key population in reproductive health interventions but remain highly vulnerable to unintended pregnancies, misinformation, and unsafe sexual practices. This study assessed the perceived benefits and barriers of family planning among in-school teenagers in Adewole,
Ilorin West Local Government Area, Kwara State, to inform adolescent-focused reproductive health programming.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 275 in-school teenagers aged 13–19 years selected from three secondary schools in Adewole using a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive
statistics and Chi-square tests at a 5% level of significance.

Results: Overall awareness of family planning was low (41.8%). Schools (65.8%) and the media (21.8%) were the primary sources of information, while healthcare providers contributed minimally (1.5%). Although respondents generally acknowledged the benefits of family planning, utilization remained
poor; only 16.7% had ever used any contraceptive method and 18.5% knew where services could be accessed. A statistically significant association was found between awareness of family planning and willingness to use contraceptive methods (χ² = 42.35, p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Despite positive perceptions of family planning benefits, in-school teenagers in Adewole face substantial socio-cultural and access-related barriers that limit utilization. Strengthening school-based sexuality education and expanding adolescent-friendly health services are strongly recommended.