Role of community resource persons in improving use of modern family planning methods among women of reproductive age in a rural area in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Background The study set out to determine the role of community resource persons in improving uptake of modern family planning methods among women of reproductive age in Ebonyi State. Methods A non‐randomized intervention study with control was done. A multistage sampling technique was used to select a sample of 484 in union women of reproductive age. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire. Community resource persons were trained to provide culturally appropriate information on family planning to men and women in the community. Postintervention data were collected after a waiting period of 3 months. Result In the intervention arm, use of modern methods of family planning increased significantly by 7.4% at 3 months postintervention (P = 0.01) compared with the control arm. The most commonly used modern methods of family planning were pills, injectables, and barrier methods in the intervention arm and implant in the control arm. The major source of modern methods of family planning was health facility both before and after the intervention in both arms. Number of living children, increasing age and husband's education were predictors of current use of modern family planning methods. Conclusion Community‐driven strategies are useful for increasing uptake of modern methods of family planning and are recommended.