Navigating Barriers: A Qualitative Exploration of Women’s Access to
Family Planning Services in Lagos State, Nigeria
Abstract
Background: Low contraceptive prevalence rates among women of
reproductive age in low-income countries, including Nigeria, continue to
impede efforts to improve women’s reproductive health through family
planning services. This qualitative study examines the barriers to
accessing family planning clinics. Methods: In-depth interviews
with 30 women aged 15 to 49 were conducted at a secondary and a tertiary
health facility, Lagos. Results: The research identifies two
key themes: the impact of geographic proximity and the challenges faced
at the clinic in accessing family planning services.” Women living far
from clinics face transportation barriers. Long waiting times, stigma
and privacy are issues identified, particularly in government clinics.
Despite challenges, respondents praised nurses and expressed
satisfaction with services. Conclusions: The study offers
contemporary insights into the specific challenges faced by women in
Lagos State, aiming to inform targeted interventions and policy
recommendations. The study, however, suggests that even with the removal
of proximity barriers, stigma remains a limiting factor for
interventions, adding a novel perspective to the discourse on
reproductive health in low-income settings. Addressing these barriers in
a holistic manner is vital for empowering women to make informed
reproductive choices, ultimately improving maternal and child health
outcomes.