Abstract
BACKGROUND: Family planning (FP) is a key public health intervention that improves reproductive health, prevents unintended pregnancies, and promotes economic and educational opportunities. Despite its benefits, millions of women worldwide still lack access to modern contraceptive methods, leading to preventable maternal and child morbidity and mortality. In Ethiopia, particularly in conflict-affected regions like the South Eastern Zone of Tigray, evidence on women's attitudes and knowledge toward family planning remains limited. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude towards family planning among married reproductive-age women in this area. METHODS: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2024 among married women of reproductive age in the South Eastern Zone of Tigray, Ethiopia. A total of 910 women were selected through a multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed using STATA version 17 to identify factors associated with family planning knowledge and attitudes. The study was conducted from April to May 2024. RESULTS: The study found that 65.1% of women had good knowledge of family planning, the overall good attitude was 25.8%. The study found that women aged 30-39 years aged women were less likely to have a positive attitude compared to those aged 40-49 years (AOR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.36-0.92). women with no formal education showed lower likelihoods of a positive attitude compared to their educated (AOR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.23-0.79). merchants were less likely to have a good attitude compared to students (AOR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.19-0.63), while daily laborers and government employees exhibited higher odds of a positive attitude relative to students (AOR: 3.9, 95% CI: 2.21-7.02; AOR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.40-7.63, respectively). women who had experienced an unwanted pregnancy were more likely to have a positive attitude (AOR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.15-4.20). women with good knowledge displaying significantly higher odds of a positive attitude compared to those with poor knowledge (AOR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.45-3.18). CONCLUSION: The level of good attitude towards family planning was low among married women. Older age, higher educational attainment, occupational status, experience of unwanted pregnancy, and good knowledge were significantly associated with women's attitudes.