Prevalence of Infertility Among Women of Childbearing Age Attending Selected Clinics in Enugu State

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of infertility among women of childbearing age in selected clinics in Enugu State from 2006-2015. Three research questions were raised to guide the study. The descriptive survey research design was used for the study. The instrument for data collection was a researcher designed female infertility prevalence proforma. The population for the study consisted of all women of childbearing age with infertility who reported in four health facilities used for the study from 2006-2015. This gave an estimated population of 7,463 women. Data collected from the women’s health records at the health facilities were used for analysis. Frequencies and percentages were used to answer the research questions. The result of the study showed that the highest prevalence of infertility was recorded in 2009 (1,274) 17.1% while the lowest prevalence of infertility was in 2006 (529) 7.1%. The highest prevalence rate was in 2012 (214.0 per 1000) while the lowest prevalence rate was in 2006 (101.8 per 1000). Prevalence of infertility was highest in age group 25-34 years (48.96%) and lowest in age group 45 years and above (41.7%). It was therefore recommended that there is urgent need for health educators, government, non-governmental agencies and health care providers to sensitize women on the need for early treatment of reproductive health problems, STIs and other chronic health problems which are likely to affect their ability to conceive and have children. Awareness should be created for women on proper post-natal care to avoid infection.