Social meaning and consequences of infertility in Ogbomoso, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: This study examined the meaning of infertility from layman’s perspective, and experiences of women suffering from infertility among reproductive age women seeking care at the gynaecology unit of the Bowen University Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Nigeria.

Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study. Quantitative and qualitative data collection methods were employed. Quantitative data collection was by the aid of a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire among 200 women seeking care for infertility at the hospital. Qualitative data collection was by Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs).

Result: Approximately 40% and 60% of the respondents seeking care for infertility were suffering from primary and secondary infertility respectively. Perceived meaning and etiologies of childlessness were multidimensional, but 33% of the respondents not sure of the causal factor. Seventy-nine percent were under pressure to become pregnant. The high premium placed on fertility within marriage has placed a larger proportion of them under pressure from their husbands (25%), their mother-in-laws (40%), and the community (14%).

Conclusion: This study concluded that women regard infertility to be caused by multiplicity of factors. Most of these etiologies were unscientific and unverifiable. Fruitful expectations also put enormous burden on those women suffering from infertility including adverse psychosexual effects. The unceasing pressure due to infertility in this group of patients calls for urgent intervention as most of these women become susceptible to high risk sexual behavior, depression and other severe consequences.

Keywords: Social meaning, consequences, infertility