Family Size Preference: Socio-cultural and Economic Determinants among the Obstetric Population in Orlu South East Nigeria

Background: Human fertility is a function of a variety of factors and a proper understanding of these would be of paramount importance in tackling the problem of population explosion. Determination of the desired number of children is one of the most controversial aspects of fertility analysis. This study was aimed at evaluating the family size preference among the obstetric population in Orlu South East Nigeria, with the objective of establishing the socio-cultural and economic determinants.

Methodology: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study in which systematic sampling technique was used in selecting the respondents. Data was collected using both self and interviewer-administered questionnaires and analyzed using standard statistical method with results presented in tables.

Results: Respondents who married between the ages of 15 to 29 years preferred to have an average of 4-6 children, while those who married after the age of 30 years preferred an average family size of 0-3 children. Not much variation exists in the family size preferences among the major religious faiths of Catholic, Anglican and Pentecostal. However, the study showed that 3 (50%) of adherents of Islamic and Traditional religions said they desired to have 7 children and above. The Roman Catholic respondents showed the least contraceptive usage while those who attained tertiary education desired fewer children than those with primary and secondary educational levels. Unemployed respondents and civil servants preferred to have 0-3 children on the average. Marital status, place of residence and use of contraception were the other factors that had significant influences on family size preference (p<0.01, p<0.001 and p<0.000 respectively).

Conclusion: Socio-cultural and economic factors were important determinants of family size in Orlu, South East Nigeria.