Inter-spousal communication: A means for achieving concordant fertility goals

  • Adebanke Olawole-Isaac Covenant University, Ota
  • Gbolahan A Oni Covenant University, Ota
  • Muyiwa Oladosun Covenant University, Ota
  • Emmanuel O Amoo Covenant University, Ota
Keywords: Inter-spousal communication, couple, concordance, fertility, SDG, Nigeria

Abstract

Background:Spousal communication strategy has gained attention as an effective means of reducing couple’s fertility preferences, its continuous measurement cannot be overemphasised in literatureObjecive:This study examined concordance and discordance in the desired number of children among couples in Nigeria.Methods:The study used the 2013 Couple dataset of Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. The method of data analyses involved univariate, chi-square and binary logistic regression.Results:The result showed that 34% of couples agreed on common fertility desires, while 66% disagreed. The logistic regression analysis using Likelihood Ratio test, showed that couples communication significantly explained the indirect effects of background variables on concordant fertility desire (P<0.001).Conclusion:We therefore, recommend that couples’ communication on family size preferences be encouraged by programs geared towards achieving SDG-3,5 aimed at improving women and child health and gender equality in decision making.

Author Biographies

Adebanke Olawole-Isaac, Covenant University, Ota
Demography and Social Statistics15
Gbolahan A Oni, Covenant University, Ota
Demography and Social Statistics
Muyiwa Oladosun, Covenant University, Ota
Demography and Social Statistics
Emmanuel O Amoo, Covenant University, Ota
Demography and Social Statistics
Published
2018-08-27