FACTORS AFFECTING THE ATTITUDE OF WOMEN TOWARDS FAMILY PLANNING IN DUTSE LGA, JIGAWA STATE

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the factors influencing the attitude of women towards family planning in Dutse Local Government Area, Jigawa State. Using a descriptive survey design, data were collected from 50 respondents through a structured questionnaire. The findings reveal that cultural beliefs, religious doctrines, educational attainment, and socioeconomic status significantly shape women’s attitudes towards family planning in the area. Cultural norms and traditions were identified as major barriers, with many women expressing concerns about societal disapproval and perceived conflicts with religious teachings. The study also found that educational attainment plays a pivotal role, as women with higher levels of education demonstrated a more positive attitude towards family planning compared to their less-educated counterparts. Furthermore, economic constraints and lack of adequate access to family planning services were highlighted as additional challenges. Despite these barriers, awareness of family planning methods was relatively high, but utilization rates remain low due to misinformation and limited spousal support. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for community-based interventions, education campaigns, and stronger advocacy to promote the benefits of family planning while addressing cultural and religious sensitivities. Key recommendations include strengthening health education programs, engaging community and religious leaders, and improving access to affordable family planning services to encourage more informed and positive attitudes among women.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page         -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -i

Declaration       -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -ii

Certification      -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -iii

Approval page  -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -iv

Dedication        -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -v

Acknowledgement        -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -vi

Table of Contents         -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -vii

Abstract           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -ix

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1-Background of the study     -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -1

1.2-Problem Statement -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -2

1.3-Specific Problem    -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -2

1.4-Research Question -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -3

1.5-Research Objectives          -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -3

1.6-Significance of the Study     -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -5

1.7 Methodological Significance            -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -5

1.8-Scope and Limitation          -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -5

1.9- Limitation of the Study       -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -6

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Overview of family planning-           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -7

2.1 Importance -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -7

2.2 Factors Influencing Women’s Attitude Towards Family Planning -   -           -           -8

2.3-Theoretical Framework      -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -10

2.4 Review of relevant studies   -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -11

CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

3.1-Research Design    -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -13

3.2 Survey Instrument   -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -13

3.3 Data Analysis         -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -13

3.4 Demographic Characteristics           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -14

3.5 Sampling Frame      -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -15

3.6 Data Collection Points        -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -15

3.7 Population  -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -16

3.8 Sample Size-          -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -16

CHAPTER FOUR

4.1- RESULTS            -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -18

4.2-Discussion  -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -23

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1-Summary   -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -26

5.2-Conclusion -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -27

5.3-Recommendations  -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -27

       References            -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -28

       Questionnaire        -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -           -29

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.0 Background of the Study

Family planning is a critical component of reproductive health, enabling individuals and couples to make informed decisions about their family size and spacing. However, women’s attitudes towards family planning remain a significant concern in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas.

Context of Jigawa State

Jigawa State, located in the North-West region of Nigeria, has one of the highest total fertility rates (TFR) in the country (4.8 children per woman) (NDHS, 2018). Dutse Local Government Area (LGA), the focus of this study, has limited access to family planning services, contributing to high population growth and maternal mortality rates.

Factors Influencing Attitudes

Research has identified various factors affecting women’s attitudes towards family planning, including:

1.      Socio-demographic characteristics (age, education, income)

2.      Cultural and religious beliefs

3.      Knowledge and awareness of family planning methods

4.      Access to family planning services

5.      Spousal support and involvement

6.      Healthcare provider attitudes and training

Gaps in Existing Literature

While studies have explored family planning attitudes in Nigeria, few have focused specifically on Dutse LGA, Jigawa State. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by investigating the factors influencing women’s attitudes towards family planning in this region.

Rationale for the Study

Understanding the factors affecting women’s attitudes towards family planning is crucial for developing effective interventions to improve reproductive health outcomes. This study’s findings will contribute to the development of targeted strategies to enhance family planning uptake and reduce maternal mortality in Jigawa State.

1.2 Problem Statement

Despite the importance of family planning in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, improving reproductive health, and promoting economic empowerment, women in Dutse Local Government Area (LGA), Jigawa State, Nigeria, continue to exhibit low uptake of family planning services. The total fertility rate (TFR) in Jigawa State remains high at 4.8 children per woman, with limited access to modern contraceptive methods and a significant gap in unmet need for family planning.

1.3 Specific Problems

·         Low awareness and knowledge of family planning methods among women.

·         Cultural and religious barriers hindering family planning adoption.

·         Limited access to family planning services and healthcare providers.

·         Inadequate spousal support and involvement in family planning decisions.

·         High rates of maternal and infant mortality.

Consequences

·         Increased risk of maternal and infant mortality.

·         Poor reproductive health outcomes.

·         Limited economic empowerment opportunities for women.

·         Strain on family resources and economic stability.

Research Gap

While studies have investigated family planning attitudes and practices in Nigeria, few have focused specifically on Dutse LGA, Jigawa State. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by examining the factors influencing women’s attitudes towards family planning in this region.

1.4 Research Questions

Main Research Question

What are the factors influencing women’s attitudes towards family planning in Dutse Local Government Area, Jigawa State, Nigeria?

Specific Research Questions

1.      What is the prevalence of family planning awareness and knowledge among women in Dutse LGA?

2.      What socio-demographic factors (age, education, income, etc.) affect women’s attitudes towards family planning in Dutse LGA?

3.      How do cultural and religious beliefs influence women’s attitudes towards family planning in Dutse LGA?

4.      What is the relationship between access to family planning services and women’s attitudes towards family planning in Dutse LGA?

5.      To what extent does spousal support and involvement influence women’s attitudes towards family planning in Dutse LGA?

1.5 Research Objectives

General Objective

To examine the factors influencing women’s attitudes towards family planning in Dutse Local Government Area, Jigawa State, Nigeria.

Specific Objectives

        i.            To assess the prevalence of family planning awareness and knowledge among women in Dutse LGA.

      ii.            To identify the socio-demographic factors affecting women’s attitudes towards family planning in Dutse LGA.

    iii.            To explore the impact of cultural and religious beliefs on women’s attitudes towards family planning in Dutse LGA.

    iv.            To investigate the relationship between access to family planning services and women’s attitudes towards family planning in Dutse LGA.

      v.            To determine the extent to which spousal support and involvement influence women’s attitudes towards family planning in Dutse LGA.

Operational Objectives

        i.            To design and implement a survey to collect data on women’s attitudes towards family planning.

      ii.            To conduct focus group discussions with community leaders, healthcare providers, and women to gather qualitative data.

    iii.            To analyze the data using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Development Objectives

1.      To contribute to the development of targeted interventions to improve family planning uptake.

2.      To inform policy decisions on reproductive health and family planning.

3.      To enhance community awareness and education on family planning.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study on factors influencing women’s attitudes towards family planning in Dutse Local Government Area, Jigawa State, Nigeria, has significant implications for:

Practical Significance

·         Informs policy decisions on reproductive health and family planning.

·         Guides development of targeted interventions to improve family planning uptake.

·         Enhances community awareness and education on family planning.

1.7 Methodological Significance

·         Demonstrates the effectiveness of mixed-methods research design.

·         Provides a framework for assessing family planning attitudes.

Policy Implications

·         Informs national family planning policies.

·         Guides state and local government interventions.

·         Enhances collaboration between healthcare providers and community leaders.

1.8 Scope and Limitations

Scope of the Study

·         Geographic scope: Dutse Local Government Area (LGA), Jigawa State, Nigeria.

·         Population scope: Women of reproductive age (15-49 years).

·         Time scope: Cross-sectional study conducted over 6 months.

·         Study design: Mixed-methods (quantitative and qualitative).

·         Data collection: Survey questionnaires and focus group discussions.

1.9 Limitations of the Study

·         Sampling limitations: Convenient sampling may not be representative.

·         Data quality: Self-reported data may be subject to biases.

·         Cultural and social desirability biases.

·         Limited generalizability to other regions.

·         Time constraints: Cross-sectional design limits longitudinal analysis.

·         Resource constraints: Limited budget and access to data.

·         Respondent fatigue: Lengthy questionnaires.

Delimitations

·         Focus on women’s attitudes, excluding men’s perspectives.

·         Exclusion of women with disabilities or mental health conditions.

·         Concentration on urban and rural areas within Dutse LGA.