INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE

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1 Volume-3 Issue-9, September-2018 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE THE IMPACT OF FAMILY PLANNING ON GENDER RELATION IN EDO STATE IKHIOYA, GRACE OLOHIOMERU (Ph.D) Department of Health and Physical Education, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria Abstract The study was designed to investigate the impact of family planning on gender relations in Edo state, Nigeria. The ultimate objective was to improve contraceptive spousal communication and gender equity. The quantitative and qualitative research model was adopted. This involved using the multiple data sources viz survey method, the individual interview and focused group discussion (FGD). 889 respondents were selected from nine local government areas using the stratified random sampling technique. The systematic sampling technique was employed in selective houses. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results show that a high percentage of females (45.0 percent) and males (35.0 percent) stated that convert contraception result marital discord and physical abuse of wives by their husbands. Also wives suffer from in-affection as a result of family planning devices without clearance from husbands. Counseling is recommended in-school and out school to promote spousal communication harmony in family. Introduction The race between population growth and economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the great dramas of modern world (Goliber, 1997). The population of Sub-Saharan Africa is growing yearly. Nigeria which is the most populous country in the continent has a growth rate of 2.88 National Population Commission (NPC) in 1991 and a population doubling rate of 23 years and one of the highest fertility (6.4) in the region (UNICEF, 1996). Page 56

2 According to Olise, (2007) growth is said to be excessive when the population growth rate is above 2 percent, as it is in most developing countries. High rate of population increase and slow growing or stagnating economics throughout the region have thwarted modernization and development efforts (Goliber, 1997). The various countries have not been able to provide qualitative education, effective health care system, housing, employment opportunities and also adequately handle the issue of HIV/AIDS and political stability (Ainsworth, 1994). Many African countries have adopted population policies and mounted programmes to encourage contraceptive use among individuals of reproductive age. Many of the programmes have been affected by a myriad of problems, some of which are gender related. For instance, literature reviewed show that women in Nigeria fear that they may be forced to leave their husband homes if they are caught using a contraceptive without clearance from their husbands (Renne, 1999). Some worry that the contraceptive side effects will expose their covert use to their husbands (Rutenberg and Watkins, 1997). The impact of family planning on gender relations is not peculiar to Nigeria. Studies by Bankole and Singh (1998) showed that husbands tend to want larger families than their wives. Other studies show that gender differential may lead to conflicting feeling about family planning (Bawah, Akweongo, Simmons and Philips, 1999). Focused groups in Kenya and Zambia have revealed that women are afraid to ask their husbands for permission to use family planning method. In Ghana, physical abuse and reprisal from extended family pose substantial threat to women and men tend to assume that women who practice contraception might be unfaithful (Bawah, Akweongo, Simmons and Philips, 1999). Disagreement between husbands and wives carries a high social cost, including violence, divorce or husband bringing in another wife. These concerns highlight the need for research and programme intervention to address the issue. The ultimate objective of the study is to improve contraceptive use by spousal communication and gender equity and the immediate objectives of the study are: 1. to determine knowledge of reproductive health, according to gender in the study area; 2. to determine the source of information on family planning according the gender; 3. to find out if marital discord occurs as a result of wives are physically abused by their husbands as a result of convert contraceptive use; 4. to find out if wives are physically abused by their husbands as a result of convert contraceptive use; 5. to find out if wives face opposition from extended family as a result of contraceptive use; 6. to find out if wives suffer loss of intimacy and affection from their husbands as a result of convert contraceptive use; and 7. to determine women s coping strategies from hostilities resulting from contraceptives use. Methods The quantitative and qualitative research model was adopted. This involved using the multiple data resources viz survey method, the individual interview and focus group discussion (FGD). This model was considered adequate for the study because it uses valid, reliable, accurate techniques and tool which yielded acceptable data for interpretative and generalizing process. The population of the study was made up of married men and women in Edo state, Nigeria. The multi-stage sampling technique was used for sample selection. Based on this method, nine local governments, three from each senatorial district were selected from a total of 18 local government areas in the state. This constitutes 50 percent Page 57

3 Volume-3 Issue-9, September-2018 of the total number of local government areas in the state. 889 respondents were selected from the local government areas using the stratified random sampling technique. The stratification was achieved using the variable of sex. The systematic sampling technique was employed in selecting houses for the study and only one respondent was selected in each selected house using the random sampling technique. The questionnaire, individual interview and focus group discussion were used for the data gathering processes. The questionnaire items were built around the problem of study. The instrument was validated by a panel of juries made up of experts in research and quantitative analysis, reproductive health and gender studies. Each item was scrutinized for clarity, adequacy, relevance and comprehensiveness. The reliability of the instrument was established by the test-relist method. The data were analyzed using the descriptive statistics. Results The study elicited responses on order to ascertain the impact of family planning on gender relations in Edo state. Table 1: Percentage distribution of respondents by whether they used a method of contraception at first sexual intercourse N=701 Sex Yes No % Males Females Data in table 1 above show that majority of the respondents of both sexes (males 74.8% and female 76.5%) any reported that they did not use any method of contraception during their first sexual intercourse. Previous studies by Momodu (1998) and Makinwa (1991) show that few unmarried young couple used contraceptives in their first time of have sexual intercourse. The percentage reported in the present study falls into the range of use of contraceptive at first intercourse which is 4-43 percent for adolescent women and percent for males (Morros, 1995). For adolescent girls, the consequences are serious. This led to HIV/AIDS, abortion, VVF, poor education and poverty. In a study by Gueye, Castle and Kanata (2001), it was discovered that curiosity and peer group had led them to having sex earlier than they would have liked. Table 2: Percentage distribution of respondents by knowledge of reproductive health, according to gender Knowledge of reproductive health Response Females Males Are there any particular day couple should abstain from sex to avoid pregnancy Yes No I don t know Percentage that correctly identified safe period on calendar: Page 58

4 Females Males 13.7% 11.0% Response Can a girl become pregnant after first intercourse Yes 39.0 No 15.7 I don t know 45.3 Table 2 show that only 20.3 percent of females and 15.7 percent of males reportedly knew about period of abstinence. A previous study by Makinwa (1991) show that 33.3 percent of female and 17 percent of males among adolescent reportedly knew about periodic abstinence. In addition about 4 percent and 2 percent of the total female and male samples respectively (representing about 13 percent of those who claimed knowledge of the safe period were able to correctly identify the safe period on a calendar. In the focus group discussion majority of male and female discussants agreed that sexual intercourse cannot lead to pregnancy on the first encounter. Table 3: What/who is your source of information on family planning respondent according to gender Source of Information Females Males Nurse School mate Teacher Friends Aunt/mother Other relatives Mass media Others. Total N = Number of respondents who responded to these item Data on this table shows that females (52.0%) and males (40.0%) rely on the mass media friends (20.1%) females and (15.8%) males, nurses; 9.2% females and 8.6% of males. The current study is similar to the previous one by Momodu (1998). The pattern of responses is not surprising in a state and country where population/family life education is not incorporated into the school adolescents have no option than to rely on the mass media for contraceptive information which may not be suitable. The gap requires the inclusion of population and family education as a single subject or as an integral part of related subject of population and family education. Page 59

5 Volume-3 Issue-9, September-2018 Table 4: Percentage distribution of respondents by perceived common problems according to gender Problems Males Females Lack of employment Inadequate education Family problems The data show the most serious problems of the respondents is lack of employment (males 41%, females 53.3%) and inadequate education; Males (23.6%) and females (23.4%) were also reported. The FGD discussants agreed that unemployment was the most serious problem. A discussant stated that we have more economic problems than our parents. The least serious problem from the respondents in the present study is the problem of sexually transmitted diseases. According to Baker and Rich (1992), the twin problem of lack of employment and unwanted pregnancy require closer examination. At a level of serious poverty where little is spent on rearing or education, children are seen as consumer goods, generating to utility for the parents. Momodu (1998) stated that it is dangerous as it could predispose young girls to prostitution. This has also led to problem of immigration and HIV/AIDS as many Nigerian as well as other country. Table 5: Marital discord occurs as a result of wives covert use of contraceptives Problems Response Females Males Marital discord as a result of covert use of contraceptive Yes No The data show that 45.0% of females and 35.0 % of males have had problems as a result of covert use of contraceptives by women. A male FGD discussant stated that you cannot trust a woman because of the so called family planning The spousal communication and family planning use are close link. Valence (2002) stated that the pathway of influence especially within the context is unclear. Couples joint decision-making should be promoted as a strategy for increasing family planning use. Interventions are needed to improve women s anatomy and strengthen their negotiating capacity for family planning use (Shavan and Valenite, 2002). Table 6: Physical Abuse of their wives as a result of covert use of contraceptive N = 718 Problems Response Females Males Physical abuse of women as a result of covert contraceptive use by their husband. Yes No Page 60

6 The data show that 57.6 percent of the women are abused as a result of covert contraceptive use. On the contrary only 20.1 percent of Male respondents stated that they physically abuse their wives for the stated offence. FGD male members agreed that a woman doing family planning without getting clearance from the husband is looking for trouble. Jeejebhoy (1998) reported the linkages between wife beating and the consequences for women, their experience and infant mortality. Table 7: Opposition from extended family members as a result of contraceptive use N = 718 Problems Response Female Males Opposition from extended family members as a Yes result of contraceptive use without clearance from No the husband lead to opposition by family members. The data shows that 43.7 percent of males respondents stated that there is opposition as a result of covert contraceptive use without clearance by wives of a family member. FGD discussants agreed that this lead to crisis in the family and sanction by erring wives. The data shows that pressure for illegal use of contraception is reduced from the female family. The previous study shows that kingship ties at both the household and the village level affects contraceptive choice. Policy makers and programme planners should be square of the effective pattern of migration and subsequent networks of extended kin on the distribution of information about acceptance of modern forms of contraception (Goldley, 2001). Table 8: Do wives suffer loss of intimacy and affections from the husband as a result of covert contraception N = 608 Problems Response Female Males Do the wives suffer loss of intimacy and affection Yes from the husband as a result of covert family No planning methods The data show that wives suffer intimacy and affection from their husband as a result of covert contraception use (Female 47%, Male 38.2%). FGD female discussants agree that they suffer problem when our husband discover our covert contraceptive use. Family planning programmes have long endorsed the principle of informed choice as a way of ensuring that clients select a method that best meet their needs. Page 61

7 Volume-3 Issue-9, September-2018 Discussion The study shows that some females and males of the respondents have contraceptive knowledge but only a few of them actually utilized these contraceptive methods. Majority of the respondents failed to use contraception during the first intercourse. It is interesting to note that 52.0 percent of females and 40 percent or males rely on the mass media for information, friends; Male 20.1 percent and for females 15.6 percent; Nurses, 9.2 percent males and 8.6 percent females for information for family planning. The most serious problems of the respondents was lack of employment (Male 46.7% and Female 53.3%). Inadequate education was Male 23.6% and Female 23.4%. The least serious problem was sexually transmitted diseases. A high percent of females %, Male 35.0% have had marital discord as a result of wives convert contraceptives use. Majority of the women stated that they were physically abused as a result of covert use of contraceptive use, on the contrary only 30.1% of the males stated that they had physically abused their wives as a result of covert contraceptives use. Data shows that 43.7% of the male respondents stated that there is opposition by family members in contraceptive use without clearance from their husbands. The result also show that they female % and males 38.2% have suffered intimacy and affection as a result of covert and communication gaps. Conclusion The findings of this study have shown that majority of women have been physically abused by their husbands for using covert contraceptive method. There is opposition from family members for contraceptives without getting clearance from their husbands. And majority of the males and females rely on mass media, friends and nurses for information on family planning. Based on the findings it is recommended that counseling centres for family planning, gender violence and abuse for in-school and out of school people should be established, family planning media campaign should be carried out at all times, the NGOs and three levels of government should establish training programme in the informal sector in areas such as metal working industry, cooking, bakery, and confectionary, carpentry, soap making, shoe making and repair industry, construction activities, art and craft etc for unemployed out of school (Momodu, 1998). In family planning sincerity is required for both women and men therefore good communication between spouse is also recommended with guidance and counseling. Page 62

8 References Ainworth, M. (1994). The Economic and Policy Determinant of Fertility In Sub-Saharan Africa; World Bank Policy Research Bulletin, 5(5). Baker, G.K and Rich, S. (1992). Influences on Adolescent Sexual in Nigeria and Kenya findings from recent focus group discussion studies in family. Vol. 23, no.3 Bankole, A and Singh, S. (1998). Couples Fertility Decision Making in Development Countries: Hearing the Man s Voice. Internation Family Planning Perspectives 24(1). Bawah, A.A., Akwoengo, P., Simmon, R., Philips, J.E. (1999). Women s Fear and Men s Anxieties. The Impact of Family Planning on Gender Relations in Northern Ghana: Studies in Family Planning 30(1). Golley, J. (2001). Kinship networks and contraceptive choice in Nang Rong, Thailand, International Family Planning Perceptives, 27 (1): 2-10 and 41. Jejebhoy, S.J. (1998). Associations between Wife-beating and Fetal and infant death: impressions from rural india, studies of family planning. 23, (3) Makinwa Adebasoya, P.K (1991). Adolescent Reproductive Behaviour in Nigeria. A study and five cities, Nigeria, institute of social and economic research (NISER) Ibadan. Momodu, A. (1997). A Research Report presented to the population research fund, Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) Ibadan Olise, P. (2007) Primary Health Care for Sustainable development, Ozege Publications. Renne, E. (1999). Gender Ideology and Fertility in Ekiti Yoruba Village. Studies in family planning 24(6). Rutenberg, N and Watkins, S.C. (1997). The buzz outside the clinics conversations and contraception in nvanza province Kenya. Studies in family planning. 28(4) Sharan, M. and Calente, T. (2002). Spousal Communical and family planning adoptions; effects of a radio drama series in Nepal, International Family Planning Perspective 28(1): Page 63