Abstract: Aim: To examine the barriers to family planning in selected coastal communities in Lagos State and its implication for population control and quality of life.
Methodology: This investigation deployed a survey designed to explore the socio-cultural beliefs, economic constraints, geographic barriers and systemic healthcare weaknesses that limit people in selected coastal communities of Lagos from assessing family planning and its implication on population and quality of life. The .study aims to determine if there is a significant relationship between the socio-demographic status of the inhabitants in the study area and their level of acceptance of modern family planning methods.
Results: A total of 400 sexually active people aged between 15 - 49 years were included in the analysis across seven coastal communities in Lagas State and includes Badagry, Epe, Eti-Osa, Ojo, Ikorodu, Apapa and Amuwo-Odofin Local Government Areas. A structured questionnaire titled “Barriers to family planning” was designed to obtain data from the respondents. The data gathered was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Of the 400 respondents, 86.3% were aged between 21 and 40 years old, 62.5% were married, 54.25% were into fishing, 47.3% had incomes between 50,000 - 100,000 monthly, 54% were Christians, 44.25% had a primary school leaving certificate and 68.7% had above five children. Findings from the study reveal that over 30% of the responses shows that their religion is against the use of contraceptives with 50% accounting for the fear of side effects. Discontinued use of family planning options was commonly reported. This was associated with the side effects like increase in weight, breast enlargement, uncontrollable bleeding, feeling of weakness and dizziness.
Conclusion: This underscores the need for a holistic approach by healthcare providers to educate residents of coastal communities about the benefits and safety of family planning methods. Given the significant concerns about the fear of side effects of family planning options, this study therefore recommends improvement in access to accurate family planning information and that individuals undergo proper medication screening to determine the most suitable family planning method for their body system. This would not only help alleviate their fears but promote informed choices and enhance the acceptance and sustained use of family planning methods within coastal communities of Lagos State and the broader population. On the long run, this would support efforts to reduce unwanted pregnancies thereby contributing to improved quality of life among the residents of the coastal communities of Lagos State.
Keywords: Family Planning, Contraceptive use, Barriers, Population control, Quality of life and Coastal Communities.
Title: EXPLORING BARRIERS TO FAMILY PLANNING IN SELECTED COASTAL COMMUNITIES OF LAGOS STATE: IMPLICATIONS FOR POPULATION CONTROL AND QUALITY OF LIFE
Author: EFE GRACE OLORUNTOBA, RAPHEAL ABIODUN OLAWEPO
International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research
ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online)
Vol. 13, Issue 2, April 2025 - June 2025
Page No: 426-440
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 09-June-2025
