The influence of social network on family planning utilization among couples in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Family planning is an important aspect of reproductive health. Social network to influences the utilization of family planning. However, despite the efforts of the government and the effectiveness of modern contraceptives a large number of unintended pregnancies still occur. Few researches has been carried out on the influence of social network on family planning utilization among couples in the study area. This study investigated the influence of social network on family planning utilization among couples in Anambra State. Social learning theory was adopted as theoretical framework for the study. The study adopted mixed research design. The population of study is 6,224,964, target population is 2,049,924 and the sample size is 400, which was generated using Taro Yamane’s formula. Questionnaire and In-Depth Interviews were used in data collection. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency distribution tables, percentages, mean ratings, and graphic illustrations, charts etc, while the qualitative data was transcribed and content analyzed. The probability sampling techniques was adopted for this study. The quantitative data collected for this study was processed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS Version 20). The findings shows that friends, peers, neighbours, religious groups and particularly media (both printed and electronics) are the social network that influences family planning utilization in Anambra State. The study recommended that there should be enhancement of the roles of religious leaders as family planning advocates. Also there should be creations of awareness among social network such as neighbours, peers, religious groups etc.