Family Planning Awareness and Utilization Among Married Women: A Knowledge, Attitude, And Practice Study in Basra, Iraq

Family planning (FP) is a key component of reproductive health and an essential human right that enables couples to plan and space their pregnancies safely. In developing countries, family planning contributes significantly to reducing maternal and child mortality and improving women’s social and economic status. Despite global progress, gaps in contraceptive knowledge and use persist in the Middle East, including Iraq, where cultural, educational, and socioeconomic factors influence women’s reproductive choices. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of family planning methods among married women attending primary health care centres in Basra. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Razi Primary Health Care Centre, Basra, Iraq, between August 2024 and July 2025. A structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from 172 married women aged 15–49 years, selected by simple random sampling. The questionnaire assessed socio-demographic variables, awareness and understanding of contraceptive methods, attitudes toward family planning, and contraceptive practices. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05. Participants had a mean age of 31.95 ± 8.37 years; most (57.9%) were aged ≥30 years, and 69.6% lived in rural areas. Educational attainment was low, with 43.3% illiterate and 21.1% with only primary education. Awareness of contraceptive methods was generally high, particularly for hormonal methods (95.9%) and intrauterine devices (67.8%). However, detailed knowledge about correct use, side effects, and fertility awareness was poor. Only 29.2% identified the fertile period correctly, and 16.4% were aware of emergency contraception. Family (71.3%) and friends (33.3%) were the main information sources, while only 29.8% received advice from healthcare providers. In conclusion, although general awareness of family planning is high among married women in Basra, substantial gaps remain in accurate knowledge and practical use. Enhanced counselling and health education are vital to promote informed reproductive choices and improve contraceptive utilization.