The social psychology of infertile couples in Abakiliki Local Government Area of Ebonyi state, Nigeria

Abstract

Infertility is one of the major health problems of public concern. It is more so not only for its clinical consequences, but also for its socio-psychological damages on both the individual and the family/society. The purpose of this study was to appraise the knowledge and attitude of couples towards infertility in Abakiliki Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Data were collected using a structure questionnaire. The population consisted of 164 subjects (74 males and 90 females) systematically selected from six communities in Abakiliki LGA. Results generated revealed that gender did not have any significant influence on knowledge of causes of infertility, whereas a significant relationship between age of couples and their knowledge on infertility was discovered. It was recommended that women who could not get pregnant in the early years of marriage should report to any family planning clinic or consult medical experts for counseling/advice and/or solution. Couples should consider the adoption of children in order to keep their marriage intact and alleviate the pains of childlessness.

Keywords: Infertility, marriage, childlessness, gender, Nigeria

International Journal of Natural and Applied Sciences, 6(1): 76-80, 2010