The Socio-Cultural Perception and Implications of Childlessness among Men and Women in an Urban Area, Southwest, Nigeria

Abstract

This study explores the social and cultural perception and implications of childlessness among men and women living in a diverse cultural urban community, Ekiti state, Nigeria. A total of 600 respondents comprising 175 men and 425 women were selected for interview using multi-stage random sampling technique. A triangulation method of data collection was used (questionnaire, focus-group discussion (FGD) and in-depth interview (IDI)). The statistical analysis was done at the univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels. The result of the study shows that both men and women perceive childlessness in women to be caused by evil spirits, ancestral curses and promiscuity while the cause of childlessness in men is perceived to be the result of psychosexual disorders. Childlessness in this community has severe health and social implications especially for women. Community education on the actual causes of childlessness which will dispel myths about the causes and ways of preventing infertility is recommended.