CHAPTER ONE

1.0 Introduction

This chapter includes different historical aspects related to family planning, starting from the background of the study, followed with the problem statement, objectives research questions the justification of the study, the significance and the scope of the study.

1.1 Background of study

Family planning refers to the use of different methods by individuals or couples to decide when to have children and how many children to have. These methods include modern contraceptives such as pills, injections, implants, intrauterine devices and condoms, as well as traditional methods based on understanding the menstrual cycle. Family planning plays an important role in improving the health of women and children, reducing unwanted pregnancies, and helping families plan their lives better. It also supports women’s education, employment and economic stability, while contributing to national development goals related to health and population control (UNFPA, 2022). Despite these benefits, the use of modern family planning methods remains low in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa, including urban communities. Studies have shown that although many women are aware of family planning methods, this awareness does not always lead to actual use, indicating that other factors strongly influence women’s decisions (Gueye et al., 2015).

One of the major reasons for low use of family planning is the widespread presence of myths and misconceptions. Myths are false beliefs that are commonly accepted as true within a community. In relation to family planning, these myths include beliefs that contraceptives cause permanent infertility, serious illness, excessive bleeding, cancer, or damage to the womb. Some women also believe that contraceptives can move around the body or cause deformed babies. Scientific evidence has shown that these beliefs are largely untrue, yet they continue to influence women’s choices because they are deeply rooted in community discussions and personal stories rather than medical information (Gueye et al., 2015; Jonas et al., 2022). As a result, many women avoid family planning methods out of fear, even when they wish to delay or limit childbirth.

These myths are often passed from one person to another through friends, family members, neighbours and community leaders. Information shared in this way can be very powerful, especially when it comes from trusted individuals. Research has shown that women are more likely to believe stories from people they know than advice given by health workers, particularly when health education is limited or poorly delivered (Gueye et al., 2015). When many people in a community believe negative stories about family planning, these beliefs become normal and accepted, making it difficult for accurate information to change attitudes. Studies conducted in several African countries have found that women who live in communities where myths are common are less likely to use modern contraceptives, even if they personally understand their benefits (Gueye et al., 2015).

Social and cultural factors also play an important role in shaping women’s views on family planning. In many communities, having many children is seen as a sign of strength, respect or economic security. Women may be encouraged by their families or partners to have more children, regardless of their personal wishes. In some cases, religious beliefs are used to discourage the use of contraceptives, with family planning viewed as against cultural or religious values. Gender roles further limit women’s ability to make independent decisions about their reproductive health, as male partners or elders often have greater control over fertility decisions (Fasanu et al., 2025). Fear of conflict, rejection or social judgement may prevent women from openly seeking family planning services.

Apart from myths and cultural beliefs, practical challenges also affect the use of family planning. These challenges include limited access to health facilities, long waiting times, shortage of contraceptive supplies, and negative attitudes from some health workers. When women do not receive clear explanations about how methods work or how to manage side effects, they may stop using them or avoid them altogether. Fear of side effects, whether real or exaggerated, becomes worse when women do not have access to proper counselling and follow-up care (Jil, 2025). Low levels of education and poor understanding of reproductive health also reduce women’s confidence in using contraceptive methods correctly.

The effects of these myths and challenges are serious. When women cannot effectively use family planning, they are more likely to experience unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, health complications during pregnancy and childbirth, and economic difficulties. These outcomes affect not only individual women but also families and communities, placing pressure on health systems and slowing social and economic development. In regions where health resources are already limited, high fertility rates and unmet need for family planning continue to be major public health concerns (UNFPA, 2022).

In a community such as New Town, where people from different cultural and social backgrounds live together, myths and challenges related to family planning may take different forms. Urban communities may have better access to health services than rural areas, yet misinformation, social pressure and fear can still limit service use. Understanding the specific myths that exist, the social influences affecting women, and the practical barriers they face is important for improving family planning programmes. This study is therefore necessary to provide evidence that can help health workers, policymakers and community leaders design effective strategies to address myths, improve knowledge and increase the use of family planning among women of childbearing age in the New Town community.

1.2 Statement of problem

Family planning is a key strategy for improving maternal and child health and reducing unintended pregnancies. However, in Cameroon, the use of modern family planning methods among women of childbearing age remains low, despite government and partner efforts to expand access to reproductive health services. National and regional studies show that many women who wish to delay or limit childbirth are not using contraception, resulting in a high unmet need for family planning and continued high fertility rates (UNFPA, 2022; WHO, 2023).

Evidence from Cameroon and similar sub-Saharan African settings indicates that myths and misconceptions about family planning are major barriers to contraceptive use. Common beliefs include fears that contraceptives cause infertility, serious illness or permanent damage to the body. These myths are often spread through family members, peers and community discussions rather than reliable health information, leading many women to avoid modern methods even when services are available (Gueye et al., 2015; Jonas et al., 2022).

In the New Town community of Cameroon, women of childbearing age continue to face these challenges alongside social pressure, partner influence and difficulties accessing quality counselling and preferred contraceptive methods. The continued presence of myths and practical barriers suggests a gap between awareness and actual use of family planning. Without clear, community-specific evidence on the myths and challenges affecting women in New Town, family planning interventions may not effectively address local needs. This study therefore seeks to examine the myths and challenges influencing family planning among women of childbearing age in the New Town community of Cameroon.

1.3 Hypothesis

This study is guided by the following hypotheses, which are formulated based on the study objectives and the relationships between variables such as knowledge, myths, socio-cultural factors, and family planning practice.

Main Hypothesis
There is a significant relationship between women’s knowledge, myths, socio-cultural factors, and the uptake of family planning methods in New Town, Cameroon.

Specific Hypotheses

1. There is a significant relationship between women’s knowledge of family planning methods and their practice of modern contraceptives.
2. There is a significant relationship between myths and misconceptions about family planning and the non-use of contraceptives among women.
3. There is a significant relationship between socio-cultural and economic factors (such as partner influence, religious beliefs, and affordability) and the uptake of family planning methods.

1.4 Research Objectives

1.4.1 Main Research Objective

The main objective of this study is to examine the myths and challenges affecting the use of family planning among women of childbearing age in the New Town community, Cameroon.

1.4.2 Specific Objectives

The specific objectives of the study are to:

1. Identify the common myths and misconceptions about family planning among women in New Town.
2. Assess the level of knowledge and awareness of modern family planning methods among women of childbearing age.
3. Examine the social, cultural, and partner-related factors that influence women’s decisions to use or not use family planning.
4. Identify the practical barriers, including access to health services and contraceptive methods, that limit family planning uptake.
5. Provide recommendations to improve family planning awareness and usage in the New Town community.

1.5 Research Questions

1. What are the common myths and misconceptions about family planning among women of childbearing age in New Town?
2. What is the level of knowledge and awareness of modern family planning methods among women in the community?
3. How do social, cultural, and partner-related factors influence women’s decisions regarding family planning?
4. What practical barriers do women face in accessing family planning services in New Town?
5. What strategies can be recommended to improve knowledge and uptake of family planning in the community?