Abstract

Umoh A. V*, Abah G. M and Ekanem U. S

Fertility desires are known to reflect subsequent fertility behaviour, therefore, understanding these desires therefore could help in planning strategies to modify fertility behaviour. We undertook the study to contribute useful information in planning future family planning strategies in our region. This was a questionnaire-based cross-sectional study among antenatal women in two health facilities in Uyo, Nigeria. Results show that the mean number of children desired was four. Majority of women (73.2%) desired a maximum of four children while 24.1% wanted 5 to 6 children. The number of children desired was significantly related to the patient’s education (P<0.001) and the husband’s education (P<0.001) and majority of women (94%) had discussed this with their husbands. The most common reasons given for the number of children desired were the number they can cater for (45.2%), husband’s desires (35.8%) and to protect the woman’s health (21.5%). Majority of respondents (66.7%) were aware of the previous government policy on the number of children to have and contraception (92.4%), but only 52.6% had ever used any form of contraception. In conclusion, women in Uyo are generally desirous of smaller family sizes. It is important to develop strategies to increase contraceptive uptake if these desires are to be achieved.