HEALTH LITERACY AND THE USE OF CONTRACEPTIVES AMONG WOMEN IN TUDUN KAURI COMMUNITY OF NASARAWA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Contraceptive use remains suboptimal in many rural Nigerian communities, largely due to limited health literacy that constrains women’s ability to make informed reproductive health decisions. This study examined the influence of health literacy on contraceptive use among women of reproductive age in Tudun Kauri Community of Lafia Local Government Area, Nasarawa State, Nigeria. The study was anchored on the health belief model and the theory of planned behaviour, which jointly explain how knowledge, perceptions, social norms, and perceived control shape contraceptive behaviour. A descriptive survey design was adopted. Quantitative data were collected from 368 women aged 15 to 49 years using structured questionnaires, complemented by interviews. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic content analysis. The findings revealed that although many women had some access to contraceptive information and interacted with health providers, substantial gaps existed in their ability to independently read and fully understand health information, instructions, and side effects. Low formal education, inadequate locally adapted materials, and poor comprehension of information in local languages limited effective and sustained co use. Women with higher health literacy demonstrated better decision making and continuity of use. Health literacy emerged as a significant determinant of contraceptive use, extending beyond access to information to include comprehension, cultural relevance, and effective communication. The study recommends strengthening adult and reproductive health literacy programmes, improving culturally appropriate and locally translated contraceptive materials, enhancing provider communication skills, and engaging community and religious leaders to support informed family planning practices in rural settings.