EFFECT OF FAMILY STRUCTURE ON CONTRACEPTIVE USE AMONG RESIDENTS OF OSIELE, ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE

This study examined the effect of family structure on contraceptive use among residents of Osiele, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The study used a descriptive survey research design. For the purpose of this study, three research questions and three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. A Multistage sampling procedure was used to select one hundred and twenty (120) respondents from the population. Frequency count, simple percentages and mean, median and standard deviation were used to answer socio-demographic information and research questions, while chi-square was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The result revealed that family dynamics, encompassing spousal communication, family approval, and mutual support, significantly influence attitudes towards contraceptive use. Effective communication and support within families foster a positive environment for discussing and choosing contraceptive methods, reducing fears and misconceptions. The result also indicates that knowledge of fertility preferences, educational level, and cultural beliefs profoundly affect contraceptive choices. The result of the study showed the significant impact of religious beliefs on decision-making regarding contraceptive use among the residents of Osiele (X²= 28.14, P>.05). Thus, religious beliefs significantly affect decisions on contraceptive use among residents. The study concluded that strong preference for male children in patriarchal societies, as well as educational attainment, significantly shape reproductive decision-making. It was recommended among others that government should create culturally sensitive programs that engage community and religious leaders the awareness about benefits of contraception and develop initiatives that encourage family approval and support for contraceptive use.