Abstract:

Implementing family planning is crucial for enhancing maternal and child health outcomes, especially in regions with limited healthcare access like South Sudan. This descriptive cross-sectional study, conducted from January to March 2024, assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to family planning among 288 women aged 15-49 in Bor South County, Jonglei State. Participants were selected using a simple random sampling technique, and data were collected through structured questionnaires using the Kobo Collect Tool. The analysis, performed using SPSS version 26.0, found significant gaps in knowledge about family planning methods, with the highest awareness reported for condoms (27.4%) and oral contraceptive pills (17.7%). The Pearson chi-square test revealed a significant association between age and knowledge of family planning methods (p = 0.00). Additionally, socio-demographic factors such as age, marital status, and education level significantly influenced attitudes towards family planning (p = 0.042, p = 0.026, and p = 0.000, respectively). Utilization of family planning services was significantly associated with education level (p = 0.000) and religion (p = 0.004), indicating socio-demographic barriers that impact service use. The findings underscore the need for targeted educational and outreach programs to improve family planning knowledge and attitudes. Addressing socio-demographic barriers and enhancing community engagement is critical for increasing the utilization of family planning services in Bor South County.

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