Factors Affecting the Use of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) among Married Couples in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

There is a high rate of infertility in Nigeria; but solution to the problem is adversely affected by socio-cultural factors. Althoughthere are many treatment options for infertility, recently global focus is on In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). However, the use of In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) tend to be affected by socio-economic and cultural factors in Anambra state giving rise to unmet needfor bio technology in the treatment of infertility in the area. This study thus investigated the factors affecting the use of IVF in thetreatment of infertility among married couples in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study is a cross-sectional survey and used bothquantitative and qualitative methods .The sample size was 589 married couples aged 18 years and above who were selectedusing the multi-stage sampling technique made up of cluster, simple random sampling and systematic, sampling techniques. Datawere collected using the questionnaire schedule and the Key Informant Interview (KII) Guide. The quantitative data wereanalysed with descriptive statistics, while thematic content analysis was used in analysing the qualitative data. The findingsshow that religious beliefs (27.1%), cultural belief/practices (25.4%), and cost of IVF treatment (20.5%) are some of the strongfactors affecting the use of IVF in treatment of infertility in Anambra state. Efforts should therefore be made by the governmentto reduce the cost and as well intensify the creation of awareness to dispel the cultural beliefs inhibiting IVF and promote itsuse amongst infertile couples in Anambra State.