ABSTRACT

The aim of this study work is to examine the pattern of fertility among reproductive women in Egor Local Government Area of Edo state. Descriptive statistical techniques such as frequency table, pie chart, bar graph, chi square and multinomial stepwise logistic regression were used to analyze the data. The study found out that a very high percentage of the respondents marry early and as such give birth early and this seems to be the main course of the high fertility rate observed in the study area. The predominant fertility rate in the study area is 3 to 4 children per woman, although disparity exists between urban and rural parts of the study area. Fertility rate is higher in the rural part than in the urban part. This is worrisome in view of the fact that a sizable proportion of the respondents still desire to have more children. The study also found out that knowledge of family planning does not really translate to effective participation in the several family planning programs; this is because despite the fact that 69.2% of the respondents have knowledge of family planning, 62.9% are not involved in any program.

Based on the findings, the study recommends that greater effort and funding is allocated into the education of the girl-child. Programs to this effect should include those that will sensitize the girls on the impacts of early sexual debut, marriage and childbearing. A proper education and awareness campaign should be carried out by the government and all institutions involved. Abating the negative perception and lack of participation in family planning programs can only be established if basic knowledge and background material is available, and the people and authorities are well informed.