Abstract:
The views of gender have not received proper attention, thus leading to a backdrop of knowledge on
the role of gender and responsibility in reproductive health decision. Hence, this research tends to
assess the role and responsibility of both men and women toward reproductive health decision
making in Kaduna North Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Data for the research was
acquired through questionnaire, in-depth interview with key informants and focus group discussions
(FGDs). Krejcie and Morgan, (1970) formula was used to determine the sample size of 400 out of
the total population of 497,783. Multi-stage sampling techniques was used in which purposive,
systematic and random sampling techniques were used at different stages. Both graphical and
inferential statistical techniques were employed in the analysis of data collected. The findings
revealed that 38.0 % of the respondents had ever used one Family Planning method or the other and
57% have not used FP at all. The study further shows that injectable, oral contraceptive pills, and
condoms are the most patronized modern methods of FP. 63% said that the decision to practice FP
was made jointly by husband and wife, while 21% of the respondents reported that FP decision is the
husband's responsibility and only 13.2% of the respondents said that the wife takes such decision
even if she has to do it secretly. The study recommend that intervention that encourages and supports
dialogue and communication about gender norms and sexuality can shift gender relations and
positively influence family planning use for both gender. |
