Reproductive behaviour and determinants of fertility among men in a semi-urban Nigerian community

Abstract

Context: A relatively high fertility is still sustained in sub-urban and rural Nigeria despite the efforts of government and other non-governmental family planning service providers. This study was conducted to examine the reproductive behavior and determine the factors that determine the fertility of men at Ganmo, a sub-urban community on the outskirts of Ilorin, Nigeria.
Methodology: The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive design. An interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from 360 men in the households. Only males above the age of 15 years resident in the community were selected for interview. A proportionate sampling procedure was employed in selecting the required number of men from each of the 32 compounds that make up the community.
Results: The median age at first marriage for men was found to be 25 years. While about two-thirds of these men were married, at least 25% of them were in polygynous relationships. The Mean Number of Children Ever-Fathered (MNCEF), Mean Number of Living children (MNLC) and Mean Ideal Family Size (MIFS) for the men were 5.2, 4.2 and 5.8, respectively. For men above 50 years old who may be considered to have completed their families, these indicators were 9.3, 7.3 and 5.8 respectively. The predictors of high fertility among the men were low education, being a Muslim and having more than one wife. Men reproduced mainly because they wanted children that will carry on the family name and for economic support in old age.
Conclusion: The study concluded that men at Ganmo still have preference for large family sizes and an intensive drive at adult education was advocated among other recommendations.