Factors influencing the choice of family planning among couples in South West Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigated factors influencing the choice of family planning among couples in South West Nigeria. Six hundred couples were selected from five South Western States in Nigeria through a multistage sampling technique. Questionnaire was used to collect information from the subjects. Five research questions were raised and five hypotheses were formulated, chi-square statistics was employed for the purpose of data analysis at 0.05 alpha level of significant. The findings revealed that socio-economic status, religious factors and cultural norms do not influence couples’ choice, whereas, educational background of the couples, and involvement of partners toward the choice of family planning significantly influence the choice of family planning among couples. On the basis of findings, it was recommended among others that, every couple should be well informed about the importance of family planning’s choice so as to improve their reproductive health and economic standard of living, to reduce maternal mortality, morbidity and reduce unwanted pregnancy. Key words: Family planning, couples, socio-economic.