Knowledge, Causes And Effects Of Infertility Among Women Of Child Bearing Age

This study examined the knowledge, causes, and effects of infertility among women of childbearing age, using Alimosho, Lagos State, as the case study area. The specific objectives were to evaluate women’s awareness of the prevalence of infertility in Nigeria, to assess their knowledge of its causes, and to examine their understanding of its effects. A survey research design was adopted, and simple random sampling was applied. The study population comprised married women residing in Alimosho, from which 160 respondents were purposefully selected, and 141 valid responses were obtained. Data were gathered using a self-designed and validated questionnaire, and analysis was carried out using frequency tables and mean scores, while the hypotheses were tested using the Chi-square statistical tool.

Findings showed that the major causes of infertility among women of childbearing age in Nigeria include poor nutrition, family history, chronic illnesses such as diabetes, sexually transmitted infections, and substance abuse. The study further revealed that infertility negatively impacts women, often resulting in divorce, social stigma, emotional distress, depression, anxiety, and diminished self-esteem. Based on these outcomes, the study recommends that reproductive health programs should educate couples on the increased risk of infertility with advancing age and the importance of seeking timely medical attention. In addition, improved access to Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) would help enhance pregnancy rates.