The Socio-Cultural Factors Affecting the Use of Family Planning In South West Nigeria: A Study of Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria

This study examined the socio-cultural factors affecting the use of family planning in South West Nigeria. Rapid population growth has been a serious cause for concern in Nigeria and this has made birth control a topical and critical issue in the country. To achieve the objectives of this study, data were collected from primary sources using the quantitative research method. Data was obtained through the use of a semi-structured questionnaire. Purposive sampling method was used to obtain the sample size through the use of a register provided by the health officers in the study area. The respondents were purposively selected on the basis of age, marital status and the length of participation in the family planning programme. A total of 200 respondents were involved in this research. Of the respondents, 34.5% were aged between 27 and 32 years old, 52% were married, 91.5% were from the Yoruba ethnic group, 39% were civil servants, 88.5% were Christians, and 34% had a secondary school leaving certificate. The findings revealed that the majority of the respondents are really aware of and have knowledge of what family planning. Findings revealed that the major socio-cultural factors affecting the utilisation of family planning are cultural values, the extended family system in Nigeria, perceived fear of side effects of contraceptives, educational levels, a lack of male involvement in family planning, early marriage, HIV seropositivity care, religious beliefs and the poverty rate. The study recommended a necessary involvement of men in healthcare programmes designed to improve women's and newborns' health; and the alleviation of fears about the side-effects of family planning among men and women through effective counseling. Awareness campaigns and trainings should be organised for community leaders, religious leaders, civil society groups and health workers on the importance of family planning as a veritable way of population control especially in the rural areas.