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. Although there 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 need for  bio technology in the treatment of infertility in the area. This study thus investigated the factors affecting the use of IVF in the treatment of infertility among married couples in Anambra State, Nigeria. The study is a cross-sectional survey  and used both quantitative and qualitative methods .The sample size was 589 married couples aged 18 years and above who were selected using the multi-stage sampling technique made up of cluster, simple random sampling and systematic, sampling techniques. Data were collected using the questionnaire schedule and the Key Informant Interview (KII) Guide. The quantitative data were analysed with descriptive statistics, while thematic content analysis was used in analysing the qualitative data.   The findings show that religious beliefs (27.1%), cultural belief/practices (25.4%), and cost of IVF treatment (20.5%) are some of the strong factors affecting the use of IVF in treatment of infertility in Anambra state.  Efforts should therefore be made by the government to reduce the cost   and as well intensify the creation of awareness to dispel the cultural beliefs inhibiting IVF and promote its use amongst infertile couples in Anambra State.