Exploring The Influence of Sociocultural Factors on Child Adoption Among Fertile and Infertile Couples in Southwestern Nigeria: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background: The Yorubas in Nigeria are widely regarded as pronatalist, yet little is known about whether this extends to the acceptance of adopted children. Existing studies often rely on secondary data or focus solely on infertile individuals. This study explores the influence of sociocultural factors on child adoption among both fertile and infertile Yorubas.

Methods: A qualitative phenomenological design was employed, using Key Informant Interviews(KIIs) and In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) with 25 purposively selected participants: ten fertile couples, seven infertile couples, three adoptive parents, an orphanage manager, a legal expert, a gynecologist, a fertility expert, and a motherless babies’ home administrator. Eligible primary participants were Yoruba couples residing in Ekiti, married for at least two years, and aged 18 years or older. Thematic analysis was used to identify the various sociocultural factors. Data were thematically analyzed using NVivo and ethical approval was obtained.

Results: The couples were mainly between 30 and 49 years old, identified as Christians, and had between 1 and 6 children. The women in the infertile couples were aged 20 to 49 years, experiencing primary infertility, for a duration of 3 to 12 years. Three themes emerged: cultural factors, social factors, and cultural–social hybrids. Fertile couples expressed greater openness to adoption, while infertile couples often viewed it negatively, citing stigma and community pressure. Overall, traditions, religious beliefs, and societal expectations discouraged adoption, although it was also regarded as a means of gaining family support.

Conclusion: Interventions should address cultural attitudes, reduce stigma, and simplify adoption processes. Policies must tackle unplanned pregnancies and enhance the availability of adoptable children through transparent procedures.