Women's Perception Of Health And Fertility Control Issues: A Study Of Selected Rural Communities In Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
Keywords:
Health, fertility, women control issuesAbstract
This study assessed the women's perception of health and fertility control issues in the rural communities of Akwa Ibom State with evidence drawn from Ekpene Ukpa, Ikot Unya, and Odoro Ikot 1. These are villages in Etinan, Mkpat Enin and Essien Udim Local Government Areas, respectively. The study selected a total of 146 women using a probability based sampling technique, from whom data were collected on their background characteristics, health information and health care sources, attitude towards fertility issues (level of use and knowledge of the effects of contraceptives), and cultural beliefs about child bearing. The data collected were tested using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and pearsons product moment correlation analysis and the results showed a strong influence or effects of income, family size preference, and side effect of contraceptives use, on the women's perception of their health. Consequently, it was recommended among others that women including under-age in these communities should be exposed to health and sex education.
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