Infertility treatments and counselling in the context of patriarchy among Ijebu, south western Nigeria

Abstract

Infertility, as a social and cultural problem affecting individuals and  families, makes People Living with Infertility (PLWI) to seek solution through different pathways, but with little or no information on patriarchal barrier(s) militating against counselling in the course of treatment. The study, therefore, investigated infertility treatments and counselling in the context of patriarchy among Ijebu, south western Nigeria. The study  utilized Ecology Model as theoretical guide and cross-sectional survey design was adopted for data gathering. Two local government areas were purposively selected: Ijebu North and Ijebu-Ode LGAs. Infertile females were purposively selected in the churches and other care centres.  Questionnaires were administered on snowball basis. Eight in-depth  interviews (IDIs) were conducted for two medical doctors, two Traditional  Birth Attendants (TBAs), two opinion leaders and two clergy. Quantitative  data were analysed with simple percentage. Content analysis was used for qualitative data. Assisted reproductive technologies - ARTs were not  acceptable. 62% agreed that government should intensify legislation,  health education; legal and medical counselling centres that would provide level playing ground for PLWI. PLWI to have easy access to the  treatments, social and financial costs should be de-emphasized and the need for counselling should be emphasized in case of ART

Key words: Patriarchy, Infertility, Health-seeking behaviour, Counselling, Gender inequality.