Fertility Indicators and Prevalence of Infertility in Benue State South Senatorial District

Abstract

Background: Sub-Saharan Africa, unlike the rest of the world is yet to achieve demographic fertility transition. In Nigeria, Benue state and Benue South senatorial   particular, there is a paucity of vital statistics, and hospital-based studies constitute the main source of information. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the indicators of fertility and the prevalence of infertility in  Benue State South Senatorial District.

Aim: To determine fertility indicators and prevalence of infertility in Benue South Senatorial District.

Materials and methods: This was a community-based, descriptive cross-sectional study involving women of child bearing age. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select eligible women from communities in Benue South Senatorial District. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Ethical Committee of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo before commencement of the study and informed consent was obtained from the study participants. A pre-designed, pre-tested Proforma was used for data collection in the selected communities. Data obtained was analysed using SPSS version 20

Results: The mean age at first pregnancy of the 226 women studied was 24 years and their average parity was 4. Level of education, body mass index (BMI), age at first pregnancy and tribe were the significant predictors of fertility in this study. Prevalence of infertility was 4%.

Conclusion: Benue South Senatorial District’s fertility indicators is similar to the national indicators.

Conclusion: Benue South Senatorial District is on course with her demographic transition.

Key words: Predictors, fertility, prevalence, infertility, Benue South