Project – IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY PLANNING AMONG MOTHERS AND CHILDREN IN FARIN GADA COMMUNITY JOS NORTH LGA, PLATEAU
CHAPTER ONE
- INTRODUCTION
- BACKGROUND OF STUDY
Family planning implies the ability of individuals and couples to anticipate and attain their desired number of children by spacing and timing their births. It is achieved through the use of contraceptive methods and the treatment of involuntary infertility. The availability of family planning does more than enable women and men to limit family seize. It safeguards individual health and rights, and improves the quality of life of couples and their children.
Umbeli T, Mukhtar A, Abusalab M (2001). Family planning is an important strategy in promoting maternal and child health. It improves health through adequate spacing of births and avoiding pregnancy of high risk maternal ages and parities.
The most important proximate determinant of fertility is the use of family planning. Where contraceptive use is widespread fertility is low. Rajaretnam has demonstated that even if there is no reduction in the family size of individual couples, delaying child bearing will bring about a decline in fertility and population growth rate. Lack of adequate information and ignorance are key factors militating against family planning practice in Nigeria. Many potential informational barriers exist to contraceptive use. (Rajaretnam, T. 1990). Adinma J.I.M, Nwosu B.O (2005), women must be aware of the methods available, must know where supplies of these methods can be obtained and they must know how to use the method they choose. Each year an estimated 5,00,000 women die of complication due to pregnancy, child bearing or unsafe abortion.
In some areas of Nigeria, one in five women report having experienced an unwanted conception, of these 58% had an abortion and on additional 9% attempted unsuccessfully to end the pregnancy. It is estimated that about 25% of women who have abortion in Nigeria experience serious complications.
Adoption of family planning measures will reduced unwanted pregnancies and criminal abortions to it barest minimum. Pregnancy is the reproductive age group die at a higher rate than men. Most materials deaths occur among poor women who live in remote rural areas and have difficult access to hospital. (federal office of statistic 1992).
Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa, with more than 88million people, it also has a high annual rate of population growth (3.5%) and a total fertility rate of 6.0 lifetime births per women. Additionally, the country has relatively high levels of infant mortality (104 infan deaths per 1,000 live births) and maternal mortality (800 materials death per 100,000 live births). (USAID ODA)
In response to these and other serious demographic and health issue, the Nigerian government put into effect a national population policy in 1989 that called for a reduction in the birthrate through voluntary fertility regulation methods compatible with the nation’s economic and social goals. (Federal Government of Nigeria, 1988). Promoting sexual responsibility substantially increased requests for contraceptive information among adolescents. Other studies have shown that exposure to a mass media family planning campaign increases contraceptive use.
Several studies have reported change in Nigerians knowledge of and attitudes toward family planning. Theses studies, however, did not examine the association between attitude toward contraception and its use. In the 1981- 1982 Nigerian fertility survey, only 34% of all women reported that they had heard of any family planning method.
By 1990, when the Nigerian Demographic and health survey was conducted, the proportion of women who knew of any contraceptive methods had increased by about one- third, to 46%, and the proportion of women who knew of specific methods also had grown.
Furthermore, 41% of married women who knew of a contraceptive metho9d had discussed family planning with their husbands. Family planning affect contraceptive use?. The answer will help policymakers and program planners determine what issue need to be stressed in the design of future family planning awareness campaigns in Nigeria.
In the light of the above, this study was designed to assess the awareness of family planning amongst antenatal patients of federal medical centre, Owo, Ondo state, Nigeria.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Family planning plays a critical role in improving the health and well-being of mothers and children, especially in rural communities where resources and healthcare access may be limited. In Farin Gada, a community in Jos North Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau State, the awareness and practice of family planning remain low, leading to several challenges in maternal and child health. The lack of proper family planning contributes to high maternal mortality, low birth spacing, and adverse health outcomes for both mothers and their children. Therefore, investigating the importance of family planning in this community is crucial for addressing these persistent health challenges and promoting a better quality of life for the families.
The Farin Gada community, like many other rural areas in Nigeria, experiences a high rate of unplanned pregnancies, which often result in closely spaced births. This situation increases the risk of complications such as maternal hemorrhage, hypertensive disorders, and low birth weight, all of which contribute to maternal and child mortality. The absence of proper birth spacing also means that children may not receive adequate attention and resources, further contributing to poor child health outcomes, including malnutrition, stunted growth, and higher rates of infant mortality. Family planning, therefore, could significantly reduce these risks by enabling families to plan and space their children for optimal health.
One of the critical barriers to family planning in Farin Gada is a lack of awareness and education about the available methods. Many women in this community may not fully understand the benefits of family planning or may have misconceptions about its safety and effectiveness. Cultural and religious beliefs also play a significant role in influencing attitudes toward family planning, with some families viewing the practice as inappropriate or unnecessary. These misconceptions, combined with a lack of accessible healthcare services, prevent women from adopting family planning methods, thereby perpetuating cycles of poor maternal and child health.
Furthermore, economic factors in Farin Gada contribute to the low uptake of family planning services. Many families live below the poverty line, making it difficult for them to afford healthcare services, including family planning methods. Even when services are available, they may not be affordable or easily accessible, particularly in remote parts of the community. This economic barrier, coupled with a lack of transportation and limited availability of health professionals, discourages women from seeking out family planning resources. As a result, women may face unintended pregnancies and childbirth complications, which could have been avoided with proper planning and access to healthcare.
In addition to health challenges, the economic impact of unplanned pregnancies is substantial for families in Farin Gada. The financial strain of raising multiple children with limited resources leads to inadequate education and healthcare for the children, further perpetuating cycles of poverty. Children in families with frequent births may also experience neglect or malnutrition, which directly impacts their development and future opportunities. Addressing family planning in this context not only benefits mothers and children health-wise but also has significant economic implications for the community by improving the overall well-being of families.
In conclusion, family planning is an essential component of improving maternal and child health in Farin Gada, Jos North LGA. The community faces numerous challenges related to unplanned pregnancies, inadequate birth spacing, and poor access to healthcare services, which all contribute to higher rates of maternal and child mortality. There is an urgent need to educate the population about the importance of family planning, dispel myths and misconceptions, and improve access to affordable healthcare services. By addressing these issues, Farin Gada can work towards a healthier future for mothers, children, and the community as a whole.
1.3. GENERAL OBJECTIVE
The general objective is the Importance of family planning among mothers and children in Farin Gada Community Jos North LGA, Plateau.
- SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE
The specific objective this research work are:
- To know the importance of family planning among the women of child bearing age in Farin Gada Community in Jos North
- To determined the demographic and socioeconomic characteristic of women of childbearing age that knows important of family planning on Farin Gada Community area in Jos North state
- To increases the knowledge of women of childbearing age on important of family planning at Farin Gada Community in Jos North sate
- Various methods of family planning that we have must be knowing to women of childbearing age of Farin Gada Community in Jos North state
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTION
- What are the importance’s of family planning among the women of childbearing age in Farin Gada Communityin Jos North state
- What are demographic and socio- economic characteristic of women of child bearing age that knows important of family planning in Farin Gada Community in Jos North state
- What are the knowledge of women of childbearing age on important of family planning at Farin Gada Community in Jos North state
- What are the various methods of family planning that we have must be knowing to women of child bearing age of Farin Gada Community government in Jos North state.
- SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The significance of this study lies in its potential to contribute to improving maternal and child health outcomes in Farin Gada, Jos North LGA, Plateau State. By exploring the importance of family planning in this community, the research will provide valuable insights into how better access to and understanding of family planning can lead to improved health and well-being for mothers and children. Maternal and child health remains a major public health challenge, especially in rural communities, where the rates of maternal mortality, infant mortality, and unplanned pregnancies are often higher. This study aims to shed light on how family planning can play a key role in reducing these health issues and fostering a healthier population.
One of the key contributions of this study is its potential to raise awareness about the benefits of family planning among women and families in Farin Gada. Lack of awareness, misconceptions, and cultural beliefs about family planning methods often hinder their use. By conducting this research, it will become evident which methods of family planning are most acceptable and beneficial for the community. The findings could serve as a foundation for educational campaigns that address these misconceptions, helping to improve knowledge and, ultimately, the adoption of family planning methods. This could directly contribute to the reduction in maternal and child health problems related to unplanned pregnancies and closely spaced births.
The study also holds significance in influencing policy development and the allocation of resources toward maternal and child health initiatives in Farin Gada. Policymakers and healthcare providers in Plateau State can use the findings to better understand the unique challenges faced by rural communities regarding family planning. This could lead to the development of targeted interventions, such as the provision of affordable contraceptive methods, improved healthcare services, and community outreach programs that focus on family planning. Ultimately, this research could help guide local health policies and ensure that they are better aligned with the needs and circumstances of the population.
Another important aspect of this study is its potential to contribute to the economic development of the community. Families in Farin Gada often face economic difficulties due to frequent pregnancies, which can place additional financial burdens on parents. By promoting family planning, this study could lead to better birth spacing, reduced healthcare costs, and improved access to education and other resources for children. Well-planned families are more likely to invest in the health and education of each child, breaking the cycle of poverty and improving the long-term economic stability of the community. Thus, the findings could have broader socio-economic implications beyond just health improvements.
The study is also significant in providing a comprehensive understanding of the cultural and socio-economic barriers to family planning in the Farin Gada community. While family planning is generally recognized as important, its practice is influenced by various cultural, religious, and economic factors. By identifying these barriers, the research can offer practical solutions for overcoming them, ensuring that family planning programs are culturally sensitive and more effectively integrated into the community’s way of life. Addressing these challenges will be critical in fostering long-term change and improving the community’s overall health and development.
Finally, this study will contribute to the growing body of research on maternal and child health in Nigeria, particularly in rural settings. With limited research specifically focused on Farin Gada and other similar rural communities in Plateau State, this study will fill an important gap in knowledge. It will provide a deeper understanding of the needs, challenges, and opportunities related to family planning, offering a model that can be replicated in other rural areas facing similar issues. In doing so, this research will contribute to national efforts aimed at improving maternal and child health across Nigeria and in other developing countries with similar contexts.
1.6. Scope of the Study
importance of family planning among mothers and children in Farin Gada Community Jos North Lga, Plateau. The study is constrained to Farin Gada Community Jos North Lga, Plateau
1.6.1 LIMITATION
There were some limitations that the researcher during the course of the research. These include: long distance, financial constrain, crowded program, and lack of cooperation o the staff involved in the clinic. However, the limitation was overcome through a letter permission written to the executive chairman of the Jos North local government, Plateau state of Nigeria asking for permission to use women of childbearing age that attending heart facility at Farin Gada Community otun local Government, for a researcher study. The permission was granted
1.6.2 DELIMITATION
The study is limited to the women of childbearing age at Farin Gada Community health facility Jos North local government Plateau state
1.7. OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF TERMS
- Importance: The term “importance” refers to the significance, value, or relevance of something in a particular context. It highlights the necessity or critical role that an action, idea, or object plays in achieving desired outcomes or goals. In this case, “importance” refers to how crucial family planning is in improving maternal and child health and overall community well-being.
- Family Planning: Family planning is the practice of controlling the number and timing of children born to a family through the use of contraception or other reproductive health methods. It involves decisions about birth spacing, the number of children to have, and the use of services or methods to avoid unplanned pregnancies. Family planning enables women and families to plan and space their pregnancies for better health outcomes and to improve economic and social stability.
- Mothers: Mothers are women who have given birth to or are raising children. In the context of family planning, mothers refer to women who may benefit from access to reproductive health services to ensure their health, well-being, and the well-being of their children. Their role as primary caregivers makes their health and empowerment critical in the family planning process.
- Children: Children refer to young individuals who are dependent on adults, typically their parents, for care, support, and protection. In the context of family planning, children are those who will benefit from well-spaced and planned pregnancies, which can lead to better health, education, and overall opportunities for growth and development. Proper family planning can contribute to healthier childhood development and reduced risks of infant and child mortality.
Project – IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY PLANNING AMONG MOTHERS AND CHILDREN IN FARIN GADA COMMUNITY JOS NORTH LGA, PLATEAU