Open AccessInfertility treatments and counselling in the context of patriarchy among Ijebu, south western Nigeria
Author(s) -
SO Aluko-Arowolo
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
afrrev stech
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2227-5444
pISSN - 2225-8612
DOI - 10.4314/stech.v3i2.3
Subject(s) - patriarchy , context (archaeology) , infertility , government (linguistics) , local government area , gender studies , psychology , medicine , family medicine , sociology , political science , geography , local government , pregnancy , law , linguistics , philosophy , archaeology , biology , genetics
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 ARTKey words: Patriarchy, Infertility, Health-seeking behaviour, Counselling, Gender inequality.