Word of Mouth Communication and Women’s Perception of Family Planning in Akwa Ibom State

This study was designed to examine the effect of word-of-mouth communication on women’s perception of family planning methods in Akwa Ibom State. To achieve the study’s objectives, a survey research design was used. The population of the study comprised women of reproductive age and nursing mothers between the ages of 18 to 45 years currently using modern contraceptive methods and is approximately 2,964,000 according to Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (2024). Sample size of 400 respondents was determined using Taro Yemane formula, since the population was finite, and respondents were selected using convenience sampling technique. Data were collected through online Google form questionnaire and analyzed using tables and simple percentages. While hypotheses were tested using simple regression analysis with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 25). Findings revealed that referral, celebrity endorsement and source credibility all had positive and significant effect on women’s perception of family planning methods. It was concluded that referral, celebrity endorsement and source credibility were positive and significant predictors of women’s perception of family planning methods. It was therefore recommended amongst others that government and other stakeholders should ensure that information about family planning methods is communicated by highly credible and trusted sources, such as healthcare professionals and respected community leaders.