SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF FAMILY PLANNING ACCEPTORS AND DELINQUENT ACCEPTORS IN A PUBLIC CLINIC IN BENIN CITY 1981

Abstract:

This study examines the socio-demographic characteristics of family planning clients who patronised a public clinic in Benin City between 1981 and 1985. Out of 1000 clients, there were 257(.25.7%) acceptors and 74 + 3 ( 74.3%) delinquent acceptors. Acceptors were found to be mainly clients aged 30 years and above, with four or more children and not necessarily of high educational status. Most of them were Protestants and employed in the civil service. Delinquent acceptors were mainly clients aged 15-29 years, with three or less children and not necessarily of low educational status. Many delinquent acceptors belonged to the religious group classified as “Others” and they were mostly housewives and petty traders. However, parity was found to be the most important variable determining the regularity of a woman’s patronage of the clinic. Low parity women were more delinquent in most cases, irrespective of age and educational status. The trend in social and demographic characteristics of clients revealed general increases in the proportion of young, low parity, high educational status, housewife and civil servant clients as well as clients of Catholic faith.

SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF FAMILY PLANNING ACCEPTORS AND DELINQUENT ACCEPTORS IN A PUBLIC CLINIC IN BENIN CITY 1981 – 1985