The Social-Cultural Factors Affecting the Use of Family Planning (A Case Study of Oredo Local Government)
Chapter One
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The objectives of this study are as follows;
To identify the different social-cultural factors that affect the use of family planning in the Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State.
To highlight the different methods of family planning.
To create an awareness campaign on the use of family planning in the Oredo Local Government Area.
To educate people on how the use of these methods of family planning.
CHAPTER TWO:
LITERATURE REVIEW
Overview
This chapter presents a synthesis of relevant literature on the factors which influence the choice of contraceptives. The databases used in the search for relevant literature include CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, African Medicus Index and Google Scholar. Key terms used included a combination of key words such as ‘contraceptives, ‘contraceptive uptake’,’ family planning’,’ family planning methods’,’ family planning and culture’, ‘family planning and education’,’ women and birth control’, ‘birth control choices,’ ‘women’s reproductive health’,’ married couple’, and partners. Guided by this study’s objectives, the discussions on the literature review focuses on ‘family planning options, women’s knowledge level about family planning services; factors influencing contraceptive choice among women of reproductive age; influence of cultural norms on the choice of contraceptives among women; and decision-making process of women accessing family planning services’.
Family Planning Options
The contraceptive method couples choose and have access to in birth control is one of the key factors in the reproductive right and health of women that generate issues. The availability of various types of FP methods increases the opportunity for couples to choose from varied contraceptives options. Although the majority of the respondents chose condoms as their preferred method of FP because it is an efficient method of contraception (Radulovi, Šagri, Višnji, Tasi, & Markovi, 2006), some prefer other options because it is most suitable. The modern contraceptive methods range from short to long term and temporary or permanent. Other long term options are vasectomy for males and tubal ligations for females (Ross et al., 2016). To achieve the universal goal of sexual and reproductive health, it is important to increase contraceptive options to women and couples in both remote and urban communities. These options must be available, accessible and affordable at all times since contraceptive prevalence is higher in countries where a wide range of short and long term FP methods are accessible(Ross et al., 2016). With these increased contraceptive options, maternal and infant health outcomes are positively influenced as women’s socio-economic status and knowledge about family planning are promoted.
Influence of Knowledge on Family Planning Services
Education plays a vital function in the choice and use of contraceptives. Prior studies in Nis has shown that knowledge and higher educational levels of women increase their chances of using a contraceptive (Radulovi, Šagri, Višnji, Tasi, & Markovi, 2006) One- third of the participants with primary education in that study estimated their knowledge as ‘unsatisfactory’, which makes the lowest percentage. In other studies on natural family planning methods among Hispanics women, low educational levels of the women correlated with the lack of information about FP methods (Witt, McEvers, & Kelly, 2013). Less Witt than one-third of the women had knowledge about the fertile time of their cycle methods. (Witt et al., 2013) Meanwhile, as high as 82.8% of women recorded failure with Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM) due to lack of knowledge on this natural FP method (Turk, 2010)
Other research works have demonstrated the relative differences in couples’ knowledge and use of contraceptives. For instance, in Ethiopia, women’s attitude towards FP did not support their knowledge acquisition about the various FP methods despite couple influence (Lee et al., 2014; Mulatu & Mekonnen, 2016). A contrasting view was also presented in the findings of a qualitative study in Afghanistan about high knowledge of contraception among couples (Haider et al., 2009). Research evidence from Kashmir indicates that 70% of women who participated in the study lacked adequate knowledge in the prevention and management of complications associated with the use of contraceptives such as Copper-T (Haffiz, Haffiz, Chhugani, & Akhtar, 2016).
CHAPTER THREE:
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Overview
This chapter presents how the study was conducted. The research design, study setting, study population, population and sampling, inclusion- exclusion criteria, data collection strategies and data analysis have been discussed. Reliability and validity measures, ethical considerations and anticipated limitations of the study were also presented.
Research Design
In this study, a cross-sectional design was used to elicit information from participants on the factors that influence women’s choices of contraceptives at the Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. The relationship between the study variables was explored. Using a cross-sectional design, statistical and numerical analysis can be generalized among individuals or groups, or across a wider population to provide clarification on a prevailing event or phenomenon (Babbie, 2010).
Research Setting
The research was conducted in the Edo state of Nigeria. Nigeria lies on the west coast of Africa. It operates a federal system of government with three types of administrations; federal, state and the local government supported by three arms of government. It has thirty-six (36) states with Abuja being its federal capital. The three arms of Government are the executive, the legislative and the judiciary. The legislative arm of government comprises the house of the senate and representatives, and each state of the federation has its own legislative arm.
Study Population
The study population comprised of women of reproductive age who access the family planning clinic at the Specialist hospital for FP purposes.
CHAPTER FOUR:
FINDINGS
Overview
This chapter presents the findings on the study which are divided into sections. The first section reports the demographic characteristics of the participants. The rest of the sections present the results according to the objectives of the research.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY,RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION
Summary of the Study
Family planning is a method that couples choose for birth control which is a key issue in the reproductive right and health of women. It includes the right of men and women to have access to family planning which includes the decision that occurs between the couple on the intended number of children they should have. A number of factors are believed to influence the choice of contraceptives. The study sought to identify the factors that influence the choice of contraceptives among women accessing care at the FP unit of Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. Convenient sampling technique was used to study participants and to collect data from participants. After meeting all the study requirements and the necessary protocols, a structured close–ended questionnaire administered given to 352 respondents. A response of about 95.5% of an all-item completed questionnaire was received and analyzed. The data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20.0
The study finding has revealed the highest prevalence rate on choice was Implanon of about 125(35.6%) followed by injectable 90 (30.6%). Again both pills and male condoms recorded the same number of respondents 17(5.8%). The usage of male and female sterilization 1(0.3%) and 2(0.7%) respectively were found to be less among the understudied respondents. The findings also revealed that almost all the respondents have knowledge of one or all of the methods but the highest percentage was implant with 228 (76.0%) while injectable recorded the second highest with 180 (60.0%) and pills with 169(56.3%). The factors that influence the choice of contraceptives are personal, socio-cultural, economic, and literacy with frequencies 158 (46.7%), 25(7.4%), 57(16.9%), 32(9.5%), 66(19.5%) respectively. The highest percentage related to personal grounds followed by literacy level of the respondents. Cultural norm and decision-making process of respondents were found to significantly have an influence on the choice of contraceptives. Finally, the finding has revealed a significant relationship between demographic factors of the respondents and choice of family planning.
Recommendation
Based on the study finding, the stated recommendations were made to the Edo state Ministry of Health, Specialist Hospital Edo, Nursing & Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMC),
To Edo State Government
- The Edo State Government should adopt a positive attitude to the usage and uptake on FP among the populace.
- Ensure that conducive environment is ensured such that clients will appreciate that they are protected and privacy would be given in contraceptive services.
- Sponsor and encourage the service providers to update their knowledge.
- Enlighten the populace on various types of FP methods on social media platforms.
To Specialist Hospital, Edo
- The Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State should create a friendly relationship between the staff and the clients accessing the facility.
- The Hospital should award hard working staff with to enhance the performance of other staff.
- The hospital should encourage the staff on continued education and provide such professional development services with motivation that is sustainable.
To Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria
- The Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria should introduce a policy for Nurses and Midwife for knowledge update.
- The council should introduce reproductive health education to all cadre of Nursing training in the country
Recommendations to Stakeholders
The finding of this study has revealed low prevalence and low knowledge on some FP methods in the Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State therefore, it is very needful for the stakeholders to partner with the state policy makers and the management of specialist hospital in achieving sustainable benefits of on contraceptive that have low or least prevalence in the hospital and the state at large. The stakeholders should link with the FP unit for necessary assistance in terms of adequate provision of FP drugs and in the creation of a conducive atmosphere for the service providers and clients.
It was also recommended that the Edo State and Nigeria at large should enlighten the populace on the importance of family planning methods using social media platforms as it is the common means of communication in contemporary times.
Conclusion
This study focused on factors that influence the choice of contraceptives among women in Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State. The study findings have revealed that majority of the study participants have knowledge on at least one method of contraceptives with a greater number of the participants having knowledge on the implant with evidence of a higher prevalence rate as compared to the other methods such as injectable and pills. The finding also revealed that respondents chose contraceptives that suited them based on convenience, affordability, privacy, and accessibility.
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