SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF WOMEN OF CHILD BEARING AGE AND THE USE OF CONTRACEPTIVES IN UYO URBAN, AKWA IBOM STATE,NIGERIA

Ihe study investigated Social Characteristics of Women of Child bearing age and the use of Contraceptives in Uyo Urban,Akwa Ibom State,Nigeria.The study considered accessibility of contraception outlets,the age of an individual and women education as sub-variables for the study as the major determinants of the use of contraceptives by urban women.The dependent variable is utilization of modern contraceptive.Both empirical and theoretical literatures were reviewed.Related theories were applied to explain the phenomenon under the study.Survey research design was adopted. Questionnaire was used as the major instrument for data collection.The stratified and systematic sampling techniques were used to select the sample for the study.A sample of 300 respondents was selected for the study which was also a reflection of copies of the questionnaire distributed and returned.Data generated were statistically analyzed using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient.Findings showed that accessibility,age and education significantly relate to the utilization of modern contraception among urban women of child bearing in Uyo Urban,Akwa Ibom State. Based on the findings of the study,it was recommended that relevant authorities should en ure that women of child bearing age are adequately and regularly sensitized on the various types of contraceptives available to them as well as change their negative attitude towards birth control in Uyo Urban.