SOCIO-CULTURAL BARIER TO THE UTILIZATION OF FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES AMONG CHILD BEARING MOTHERS IN BAUCHI STATE

Magaji, Abdulbaqi A. & Chime, Helen E.

Department of Public and Community Health,

Novena University, Ogume, Kwale, Delta State

Email:  *magaji@gmail.com /jesumowo0630@gmail.com /helenoputa2002@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to investigate the socio-cultural barriers against the utilization of family planning services by mothers of child bearing age living in Bauchi state. A cross sectional survey design was used in this study, while simple random sampling procedure was used to obtain a sample size of one thousand and forty-eight. A structured questionnaire using Likert two and four point scaling system was used as the instrument of data collection. The instrument was made up of two sections. Section A was on demographic variables, while section B was on the utilization and the barriers to family planning. Six research questions were answered, while three hypotheses were tested. Statistical package for social sciences, version 22 was used to analyze the data obtained.  The data obtained shows that the major barriers to family planning are, the misconception that contraceptives prevent child bearing permanently, 694(66.2%); belief that having many children symbolizes high social status, 682(65.0%); adolescents are not considered as adults until they have a child, 682(65.0%); community is not in support of family planning, 656(62.6%); parents are not in support of the use of contraceptives, 626(59.8%). There was also significant relationship between socio-cultural barriers and attitude of mother of child bearing age in Bauchi State (r =0.324, p<0.05). There were indications that women of child bearing age in Bauchi State were not aware of different contraceptives methods available. The study recommends women of child bearing should be counseled by the health workers of the different types of family planning services and that Health organizations that are responsible for the production of these family planning types should improve on their productions so as to ensure minimal side effects.

Keywords: Barriers, Socio-cultural, Family Planning, Contraceptives, Child-bearing