Home > Geography, Earth Sciences > Vol 12 2024 Abstract 1
Analysis of Proximate and Indirect Determinant of Fertility in Lokoja Kogi State
Dr. Silas Joshua, Ikutanwa Sunday Vincent

Abstract
Fertility behaviour is conditioned by both biological and social factors. This study analysed the proximate and indirect determinants of fertility in Lokoja metropolis of Kogi State, Nigeria, by identifying the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of households in the study area, identifying the characteristics of family planning methods, assessing the use and effects of contraceptives and evaluating the influence of socio-demographic factors on fertility. The purposive sampling method was used during the survey; the data for this study were obtained from the administration of structured questionnaire to 288 households in four residential neighbourhoods of the study area. The results of the analysis revealed that age at first delivery, child spacing and parity, number of wives, sex preferences, and the use of contraceptives underlined the fertility level of a household. Furthermore, the study found that husbands‘ approval, religion, and tradition played a vital role in the use of contraceptives, and that the utilisation of health care services, although another crucial determinant of fertility rate, depended on neighbourhood characteristics which varied from one area to another. Thus, the study recommended, among others, better approach to family planning education and increased accessibility to health care services.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jges.v12a1