Constraints of Family Planning within Marriages in Delta State, Nigeria
Ralph-Imoniruwe Elo-Ghene Belin, Ogege S. O.
Keywords: Family planning, consent, spouse approval, girl-child, contraceptives
Abstract
The introduction of family planning methods has not been able to realise the goal of tackling fertility rate and infant and maternal mortality which are high in the African continent, including Nigeria. Several socio-cultural factors have been put forward as responsible for this condition; thus, this paper examines constraints to the utilization of family planning methods among married persons in Delta State, Nigeria. The diffusion of innovations theory forms the theoretical framework for this study. The cross sectional research design, involving 399 respondents was employed to obtain data regarding the uptake of family planning methods among married persons across the senatorial districts of Delta State. Major results of the study confirmed that early girl child marriage and male spouse dominance as decision makers in the home affect the use of family planning methods in Delta State, Nigeria. The study recommends that early girl child marriage and obtaining of male spouse consent for family planning can be achieved when custodians of traditions and customs are used to communicate the gains of family planning and ills of early girl child marriage in communities of Delta State, Nigeria.
Author Biography
Ralph-Imoniruwe, Elo-Ghene Belin
Ogege, S. O. (Ph.D)
Professor of Sociology Department,
Delta State University, Abraka