KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING AMONG COUPLES IN KADUNA METROPOLIS
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING AMONG COUPLES IN KADUNA METROPOLIS
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Date
2012-12
Authors
ADAMS, ZAINAB B. AHMED
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Abstract
The problems resulting from rapid increase of world population gave rise to the adoption and use
of fertility regulation methods with less regard to the influences of socio-cultural beliefs and
values on such practises. The most popular of these fertility regulation methods is the use of
drugs for fertility regulation purposes. However, there are challenges associated with the
introduction of modern methods of family planning ranging from religious, moral, cultural to
individual aspects. In addition, the use of natural family planning methods as alternative by
couples have not been emphasized. Hence knowledge, attitude and practise of natural family
planning among couples have not been well documented in literature. This study therefore,
addresses these gaps, by investigating the knowledge, attitude and practise of natural family
planning among couples in Kaduna metropolis. The study objectives were to assess the level of
couples awareness of natural family planning methods in Kaduna metropolis, to identify the
various methods of natural family planning couples adopt in Kaduna metropolis; to assess
attitudes towards the practise of natural family planning among couples in Kaduna metropolis; to
examine the extent of gender/spousal involvement in the practise of natural family planning in
Kaduna metropolis and to find out the challenges couples encounter in their use of natural family
planning methods. The liberal feminism perspective was used as the theoretical framework of
study. The study data was obtained through primary source by the use of quantitative and
qualitative data collection instruments. The multistage cluster sampling technique was used in
drawing a sample size of 300 married respondents comprising 150 men and 150 women of child
bearing age (15 years and above). Data was obtained from a survey of 278 respondents through
structured questionnaire administered in interview form in randomly selected households from
the various settlements used in the study. 6 focus group discussions were conducted among
separate groupings of married men and married women based on non probability random
sampling from various households. The quantitative data was edited, coded and analyzed using
the statistical package for social science (spss) and the data analysis involved the use of
univariate analytical technique. The qualitative data analysis involved the transcribing of
recorded data along major views and minor views as it relates to study objectives and verbertim
quotations from respondents view were stated. Findings from the study indicated a high level of
awareness of natural family planning methods made possible mainly through hospital campaigns
followed by exchange of information between friends/relations. Concerning the types of natural
family planning methods used by couples, the study indicated breastfeeding/calendar method as
the commonly used method among others. On the approval of natural family planning methods,
the findings show that majority of the respondents approved the practise of natural family
planning because they find it safe, reliable, effective, cheap, natural, easy, good without any side
effect. In addition, there is an indication that it is not every couple who approved that actually
practise natural family planning method for reasons such as the fear of failure, cultural and
religious prohibition of natural family planning and disagreements between couples. On gender
and spousal involvement, the study revealed that husbands have higher desire for larger family
size, husbands are the major decision makers on reproductive health issues. Suggestions from the
study identified the need for couples encouragement in the practise of natural family planning
methods. Establishment of healthcare service to include male involvement, establishment of
daycare centres within public and private sector areas for nursing mothers, involving
community/religious leaders in preaching about reproductive health issues to their subjects and
the establishment of discussion forums for couples, friends/relations towards having change of
attitudes and discouraging the opinions of seeing children as a future social security.
Description
A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES,
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF MASTERS DEGREE IN SOCIOLOGY
Keywords
KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE, PRACTICE, NATURAL, FAMILY, PLANNING, AMONG, COUPLES, KADUNA, METROPOLIS