Awareness and willingness to adopt among infertile women seen at a tertiary hospital in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Infertility is associated with adverse psychosocial effects and adoption provides a simple and affordable option for managing infertile couples, but are Nigerian women aware or willing to adopt? Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study. Interviewer-administered pretested questionnaires were given to a total of 236 consenting clients seen at their first visit to the gynecology clinic with complaints of inability to conceive, between the period of July 2016 to March 2018. Data on sociodemographics, gynecological, and infertility history was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences computer software version 22. Descriptive analysis was done using frequencies and percentages. Chi-square (and fishers test where relevant) was used as a test of association. Significance level was established at P < 0.05. Results: Majority of clients were aged between 20 and 29 years (44.5%), educated up to secondary level or above (80.9%), Muslims (65%), homemakers, and 59.3% had previous pregnancies. Most were aware about adoption (85.2%), but only 38.1% would consider adoption in the future. Respondents and husbands age, education, religion, respondents and husband's occupation, and knowing someone who had adopted in the past was significantly associated awareness of adoption. However, only order of marriage was significantly associated with willingness to adopt children in the future. Conclusion: Despite high levels of awareness, adoption is underutilized as most women have hope of having their own children or husbands may object. Couple counseling and community education are important for any change.