A phenomenological study to assess the opinions of infertile women regarding child adoption in south-western Nigeria

Background: Infertility remains a global health challenge with devastating psycho-social consequences in many African communities. Nigeria’s rate of infertility is as high as 30%. Child adoption, although usually perceived as the last option for couples with incurable infertility, is associated with several physical, psychological, emotional and ethical issues. These issues have been linked to low acceptance of child adoption among infertile couples. The broad objective of this study was to assess the opinions of infertile women regarding child adoption in South-western Nigeria. Methods: This study utilized a phenomenological qualitative research design. A purposive sampling technique with a criterion sampling strategy was used to select ten (10) infertile women and a focus group structured interview was utilized to collect data from the participants. The demographic data of participants were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version fifteen and the results were presented as a table. The Giorgi's method of analysing qualitative studies was used to analyse the data on opinions of infertile couples. Result: From the findings of this study, none of the participants had ever practiced child adoption, meanwhile, Child adoption was viewed as a good thing to do, though attitudinal disposition varied. Participants were of the opinion that child adoption brings joy into the lives of the couple especially those who are yet to have children, though they stated that the society does not accept it but adoption was seen as a way of contributing to the life of an individual as well as make the couple fulfilled. Conclusion: The findings of this study revealed that there is need for strong advocacy, enlightenment and community mobilization for improved awareness and utilization of adoption services, and improve uptake of adoption as an alternative treatment for infertility.