Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Reproductive Health Medicines Use Among Women in Health Facilities in Benue State, Nigeria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51412/psnnjp.2026.018Keywords:
attitude and reproductive, practice, knowledge, reproductive health medicinesAbstract
Background: The United Nations Millennium Development Project emphasizes that universal access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services, information, and education is essential for reducing child mortality and improving maternal health. Despite concerted efforts to improve Reproductive Health Medicines (RHMs) utilization among women, the prevalence rate of usage has remained abysmally low.
Objective: This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) on the use of RHMs among women attending different levels of healthcare institutions in Benue State, Nigeria
Method: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of women of reproductive age who assessed RHMs at selected health care facilities in Benue State. Information on their age, Parity, and KAP regarding RHMs use was obtained using a structured questionnaire. Sociodemographic characteristics were summarized as frequency counts and percentages. One-way ANOVA was performed to determine significant differences among groups of women who visited the health facilities at P<0.05.
Results: The predominant age of women across the health facilities was 21–30 years. Women attending the three health facilities demonstrated moderate knowledge of reproductive health medicines (RHMs), with health care professionals serving as the major source of information. Knowledge of diaphragms differed significantly among respondents, with women attending the General Hospital recording the highest mean knowledge score (2.67±1.24), followed by FSP (2.01±0.65). The attitude towards the use of these medicines among women showed that respondents reported traditional barriers as a major concern. There was higher condom use among respondents from the General Hospital (4.14 ± 0.68). Overall, contraceptive prevalence (tertiary, 27.9%, secondary (9.1%) and primary (7.5%) health facilities), and substance use remained low across all facilities.
Conclusion: Significant differences in knowledge, attitudes, and utilization of contraceptive methods were observed across the three health facilities, particularly regarding diaphragm knowledge, traditional barriers, and contraceptive preferences. Despite the availability of reproductive health medicines, overall contraceptive utilization remained low, highlighting the need for strengthened reproductive health education and targeted interventions to address cultural barriers and improve uptake of family planning services.
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