UTILISATION OF INFORMATION ON CHILD SPACING AMONG CHILD-BEARING MOTHERS IN POLYGAMOUS HOMES IN KUSFA AREA OF ZARIA CITY, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Maternal morbidity and mortality is a major cause of concern in developing countries. To reduce maternal morbidity and mortality, several public health agencies diffused information on child spacing to the public, but still maternal morbidity and mortality remain a very big challenge in most developing countries including Nigeria. Using constructionist view of reality and Chatman’s (2000) theory of normative behavior as a theoretical framework, this research sought to investigate the socio-cultural factors responsible for non-utilisation of information on child spacing among child-bearing mothers in polygamous homes in Kusfa area of Zaria City, Kaduna State, Nigeria. To achieve this, a qualitative research methodology was adopted and the research design adopted for the study is case study. Data were collected using in-depth interview with sixteen childbearing mothers. Purposive sampling was used to identify respondents. Findings from respondents were analysed using qualitative thematic analysis, to identify 311 narratives open codes, 18 sub-categories and further collapsed into 5 emergent categories. Findings from this study indicated that, the following socio-cultural factors are the major causes of non-utilisation of information on child spacing among child-bearing mothers in polygamous homes in Kusfa area of Zaria City, Kaduna State, Nigeria. 1) Beliefs and practice related to child spacing methods. 2) Fears and misinformation related to child spacing methods. 3) Suspicion of western people. 4) Distrust in mass media and health care providers in disseminating and promoting child spacing information. 5) Partner’s opposition to child spacing methods. 6) Sources of information on child spacing. 7) Availability of child spacing information. Findings interpreted using Chatman’s (2000) theory of normative behavior recommends that for a sustained acceptance and use of child spacing information, there is the critical need for policy makers, agencies and information professionals to design child spacing information services based on the social and cultural dynamics of the community. The findings of the study add to knowledge and better understanding about the social and cultural factors responsible for non-utilisation of information on child spacing specifically among childbearing mothers in polygamous homes.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TITLE PAGE.......................................................................................................................i

DECLARATION................................................................................................................ ii

CERTIFICATION ............................................................................................................. iii

DEDICATION....................................................................................................................iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT...................................................................................................v

ABSTRACT…………........................................................................................................vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS……............................................................................................viii

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS............................................................................................xi

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the study .............................................................................................1

1.2 Statement of the problem.............................................................................................6

1.3 Research Questions......................................................................................................7

1.4 Objectives of the Study................................................................................................8

1.5 Significance of the Study.............................................................................................9

1.6 Scope of the Study…...................................................................................................10

1.7 Limitation of the Study………………………………………………………………10

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms..................................................................................11

References.........................................................................................................................12

CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1 Introduction................................................................................................................15

x

2.2 Research Paradigm.....................................................................................................15

2.3 Social Constructionism...............................................................................................17

2.4 Theoretical Framework...............................................................................................19

2.5 Previous Studies that Adopted Chatman‟s (2000) Theory of Normative Behavior...22

2.6 Summary of the Literature Review............................................................................27

References.......................................................................................................................29

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction...............................................................................................................32

3.2 Research Method Adopted….....................................................................................32

3.3 Population of the Study...............................................................................................33

3.4 Sample and Sampling Techniques...............................................................................34

3.5 Instruments for Data Collection...................................................................................35

3.6 Procedure for Data Collection ....................................................................................35

3.7 Procedure for Data Analysis ......................................................................................38

3.8 Rigor in Qualitative Research.....................................................................................40

3.9 Ethical Consideration……………………………………………………………......42

References........................................................................................................................43

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF RESULTS

4.1 Introduction...............................................................................................................45

4.2 Data Analysis ............................................................................................................45

4.3 Description of Emergent Categories………………………………………………..46

xi

4.4 Discussion of Findings……………………………………………………………..60

4.5 Implication of Findings.............................................................................................75

References…………………………………………………………………………..78

CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.1 Introduction............................................................................................................ 80

5.2 Summary of the Study............................................................................................80

5.3 Summary of Major Findings ..................................................................................81

5.4 Conclusion ..............................................................................................................82

5.5 Recommendation ....................................................................................................82

5.6 Suggestion for Further Study..................................................................................84

References………………………………………………………………...............85

Bibliography............................................................................................................86

Appendix A: Introduction Letter............................................................................93

Appendix B: Participation Consent Form………………………………………...94

Appendix C: Key Informant Interview Guide…………………………………….96