Factors Influencing the Attitude of Women Toward Family Planning Method in Nigeria

Abstract

Family planning is one of the services that has positive influence on the social welfare and health of the mothers and directly contributes to reduction of maternal morbidity and mortality. Family planning is a major health issue in Africa and it has degenerated more into socioeconomic problems like poverty, overpopulation, delinquent children, and so on. Studies have shown that family planning is safe to use but this has remains obscure to most women in developing countries such as Nigeria. Fewer numbers of women have knowledge and access to family planning but majority of Nigerians failed to adopt the habit as a result of many factors such as education, age, culture, religion, income, and health status which influence their attitude toward family planning among others. Social Action Theory was used as the theoretical guide in examining the behavior, attitude, and perception of women toward family planning as well as to give a clear knowledge about the importance of family planning on individual, family, and society at large. This chapter reveals that population explosion, malnutrition, and diseases such as HIV (and other diseases) are trending in Nigeria. Hence, it was recommended that every health worker should engage more in community-based awareness and enlightenment on the utilization of family planning; also, there is a need to intensify information dissemination and educational campaigns through the media. Furthermore, importance should be placed on modern contraceptives.

Citation

Ibrahim, A.K. (2022), "Factors Influencing the Attitude of Women Toward Family Planning Method in Nigeria", Fawole, O.A. and Blair, S.L. (Ed.) Families in Nigeria: Understanding Their Diversity, Adaptability, and Strengths (Contemporary Perspectives in Family Research, Vol. 18), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1530-353520220000018002