Abstract:
This study sought to explore demographic variables predictive powers of reproductive decision making of married persons in Anambra State of Nigeria. Four research questions guided the study while four hypotheses were equally tested. A correlational design was used for the study. A cluster sampling procedure involving simple random sampling techniques by balloting was adopted to compose the sample of 2,250 married persons: 1,125 males and 1,125 females. A structured questionnaire titled: Reproductive Decision Making Questionniare used to collect data from the respondents. The data collected were analyzed using multiple regression analysis to test the hypotheses at 0.05 levels of significance. The analysis of the data yielded the following results: Demographic variables (education, location, occupation and income level) significantly predict the reproductive decision making of married persons in terms of family size (and child spacing); demographic variables (education, location, occupation and income level) significantly predict the reproductive decision making of married persons in terms of contraceptive use; demographic variables (education, location, occupation and income level) significantly predict the reproductive decision making of married persons in terms of breastfeeding; demographic variables (education, location, occupation and income level) significantly predict the reproductive decision making of married persons in terms of sex preference. Among the educational implications of the findings of the study was that married persons could be helped to take joint reproductive decision in terms of family size and child space, the use of contraceptives, breastfeeding and sex preference. It was thus recommended that marriage counsellors should help married persons in their reproductive decision making regarding the use of contraceptive, family planning, breastfeeding and sex preference, through organizing seminars, workshops and enlightenment campaign. Suggestions for further research and limitations were also given.
