Perception of Child-bearing Women on Child Spacing Information in Polygamous Homes in Kusfa Area of Zaria City, Nigeria

Abstract

Maternal mortality is a major cause of concern in developing countries. To reduce maternal mortality several public health agencies diffused child spacing information to the public. However, while most people accept and use child spacing information there remain some individuals that are resistant to it especially in developing countries. Resistance to information about child spacing is a major public health issue in developing countries, particularly in Nigeria. Using Chatman’s (2000) theory of normative behavior as a theoretical framework to guide the investigation. This study therefore set out to explore the perception of child-bearing women on child spacing information in polygamous homes in Kusfa Zaria City. A qualitative research methodology was adopted. Data were collected using in-depth interview with ten child-bearing women. Purposive sampling was used to identify respondents. To be included as respondent the following three criteria must be met: 1) have to be child-bearing women in polygamous homes in Kusfa Area of Zaria city, 2) 20-45 years of age and 3) must have a minimum of four children over the last six years. Data from respondents were analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that, injection, pills, condom, IUD and implant were the type of child spacing information communicated to child-bearing women and perceived these type of child spacing information with apprehension and suspicion. This study posit that for a sustained acceptance and use of child spacing information there is the critical need for policy makers and information professionals to design child spacing information services based on the social and cultural dynamics of the Kusfa community Zaria city.