Project Materials

ATTITUDES OF WOMEN TOWARDS UTILIZATION OF MODERN CONTRACEPTIVES

ABSTRACT

The survey aimed to analyse women’s views about the use of contemporary contraception in Nigeria. Lagos state served as a case study. The study specifically looked at the trajectory of modern contraceptive use among women over the last ten years (2004/2005 to 2013/2014), as well as women’s choice for contemporary contraceptive techniques. A cross-sectional study approach was used. Purposive sampling strategies, such as the snowball approach, were used to generate a study sample of 120 respondents, 60 of whom used modern contraceptives and 60 of whom did not. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and interviews. The study used descriptive analysis and a binary logistic regression model for quantitative data, while content analysis was used for qualitative data gathered through interviews. The survey found that the trend of contemporary contraception use for women has improved over the last decade. The number of women utilising modern contraceptive methods has nearly doubled, from 20549 in 2004/2005 to 48647 in 2013/14.

Chapter one

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The rapid rise of the global population in recent years has gained extensive attention, particularly in Africa, where crude birth rates are highest. Nigeria’s current population is between 90 and 100 million people, or possibly even more, with an annual growth rate of 3.3% (Oni, 2006).

If current population estimates are to be believed, Nigeria is already overpopulated, according to several population analysts. Based on the results of the contest, the Federal Government has developed a national population policy.

These include the management and control of our human population through the use of guided skills, goals, policies, plans, programmes, and projects aimed at improving human quality.

We cannot dismiss as presumptuous the negative effects of uncontrolled reproduction on women, as well as risk factors such as childbirth before the age of 18 or after the age of 35.

While population growth rates in rich developed countries have decreased as women and men have chosen to have fewer children, in developing countries such as Nigeria, growth rates remain high because only a few couples limit the number of their children. Global and Regional Estimates of the Incidence of Unsafe Abortion and Associated Mortality in 2000, WHO (2004).

This is most likely due to the belief that children are God’s most treasured assets, and hence they are welcomed whenever they arrive.

There is fear that natural resources are not endless and uncontrolled, therefore population increase may lead to a disaster, according to statistics from the Central Statistical Agency: ICF International (2006).

This demonstrates that the bulk of the world’s population is neither sufficiently nourished nor sheltered. According to Shuaib $ Ã Oghdoh (2010), people who are unable to care for their children have more offspring than those who can.

Individuals and governments are becoming increasingly concerned about limiting their family size and population. (Nelson, Tom and Timothy, Soc. Sc. 2011). There is a need for proper nourishment, housing, and a higher quality of life.

The Federal Government’s 2012 health policy and strategy framework and plan were a significant step towards reducing the unacceptable high levels of maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality, as well as ensuring the necessary improvement in access to excellent reproductive health care at all levels.

One of the major steps towards achieving the declared objectives of reproductive health policy is to promote access to family planning information, to expand the range of contraceptive methods, and to encourage the development of new initiatives that would support the availability of commodities and supplies at service delivery points.

All stakeholders agreed that the availability of commodities (contraception and condoms for HIV/AIDS) was crucial to the effectiveness of reproductive health, population, and HIV/AIDS programs.

As a result, in addition to raising awareness about family planning, ensuring a consistent supply of goods at all levels is critical.

Family planning evolved as a population control strategy. Independent agencies initially offered the services, and private persons now provide them in Nigeria.

Men and women are increasingly accepting that they want information in order to protect themselves and make informed decisions about their reproductive health (Dwger J. C., 2002).

Despite the benefits of family planning, myths and ignorance about it remain prevalent. Despite efforts to raise awareness, some people are concerned that educating young people about sexuality and providing them with family planning information may lead to irresponsibility and promiscuity.

Women of childbearing age are hesitant to seek advice or assistance from their families or professional networks. As a result, they did not receive the necessary information. Olugbenga-Bello, Abodunrin $ Adeomi (2011).

According to Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (2001), the organization’s experience in 34 of Nigeria’s 36 states demonstrates that women are extremely underinformed about reproductive health and family planning.

For millennia, humans have been concerned about family planning, trying to find ways to avoid undesired pregnancies. Attempts to prevent these pregnancies have met with opposition in both ancient and modern times (Ali, Rozi, and Mahmood, 2004).

However, multiple studies were conducted, resulting in the development of several ways of family planning to fulfil the diverse demands of individual users.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

In an environment where maternal and newborn mortality rates are high, poverty is widespread, and malnutrition is pervasive, providing women with the knowledge and resources they need to plan their own families is critical.

Unmet needs may limit women’s ability to freely decide when and how many children they have. A willingness to regulate fertility, as well as the ability to get and utilise contraception, are required for a fertility change to occur (Kathryn, 2009).