Volume 1 - Issue 4, November - December 2025

Modern family planning is a critical public health and development intervention with proven benefits for maternal and child health, fertility regulation, and socioeconomic advancement. Despite these benefits, utilization of modern contraceptive methods remains low in many parts of Nigeria. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and factors influencing the utilization of modern family planning methods among women of reproductive age attending Specialist Hospital Obangede in Kogi State, Nigeria. A descriptive cross-sectional research design was adopted, involving 105 women aged 15–45 years selected through stratified random sampling from antenatal, postnatal, and family planning units. Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, and mean scores. Findings revealed that the majority of respondents (66.7%) had good knowledge of modern family planning methods, and awareness of at least one modern contraceptive method was nearly universal. Attitudes toward modern family planning were predominantly positive, with respondents acknowledging its role in preventing unwanted pregnancies, improving maternal health, and enhancing standard of living. However, misconceptions regarding side effects, particularly fears of infertility, persisted among some women. Utilization of modern family planning methods was constrained by multiple factors, notably limited access to services, socioeconomic challenges, cultural norms, religious beliefs, educational level, and spousal opposition. The study concludes that although knowledge and attitudes toward modern family planning are generally favorable, significant structural, socioeconomic, and sociocultural barriers hinder effective utilization. Addressing these challenges requires multilevel, culturally sensitive interventions that improve service accessibility, strengthen counseling, promote male involvement, and address persistent misconcep.