Perceptions and participation in the family planning program among couples of reproductive age

Erlina Erlina (Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Guna Bangsa Yogyakarta)
Juda Julia Kristiarini (Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Guna Bangsa Yogyakarta)
Istri Yuliani (Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Guna Bangsa Yogyakarta)
Hargianti Dini (Universitas Ngudi Waluyo)
Cipta Pramana (Universitas Islam Negeri Walisongo Semarang)

Malahayati International Journal of Nursing and Health Science
Vol. 9 No. 7 (2026): Volume 9 Number 7

Background: The Family Planning (FP) Program is a government initiative aimed at controlling population growth, improving reproductive health, and promoting healthy and quality families. However, participation among couples of reproductive age (CRA) in the working area of Kuta Baharu Public Health Center, Aceh Singkil Regency, remains suboptimal. This condition may be associated with perceptions, knowledge, family support, and other factors related to participation. Purpose: This study aimed to analyze the association between perceptions and participation levels among couples of reproductive age in the Family Planning Program and to explore factors underlying their participation. Method: This study employed a mixed-methods approach using a sequential explanatory design. The quantitative phase used a cross-sectional design involving 305 respondents selected through proportionate stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis, bivariate analysis with the Chi-square test, and multivariate analysis using logistic regression. The qualitative phase involved in-depth interviews with purposively selected informants to provide further explanations for the quantitative findings. Results: Overall, 64.3% of respondents had favorable perceptions, while 61.6% demonstrated a high level of participation in the Family Planning Program. A significant association was found between perceptions and participation among couples of reproductive age (p < 0.001). Perception was the strongest factor associated with participation (OR = 4.218), followed by family support (OR = 3.942) and knowledge (OR = 2.735). Qualitative findings indicated that fear of contraceptive side effects and inadequate partner support were the main barriers to participation. Conclusion: Favorable perceptions were significantly associated with higher participation and represented the strongest factor associated with participation in the Family Planning Program. Increasing participation requires culturally appropriate education, strengthened family support, and greater involvement of community and religious leaders.