International Archives of Medical and Health Research (IAMHR), pISSN: 2705-1420; eISSN: 2705-1439 
December 2026 Vol 7(1): pp. 22-28    DOI: https://doi.org/10.33515/iamhr/2026.008/03

Copyright © 2026 C-International Archives

Original Article

Family Peculiarities, Social Support, and Acceptance of Child Adoption Among Women with Infertility Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Sokoto, Nigeria

 

Mohammad B. Isah,1 Oche M. Oche2 

1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria.

2Department of Community Medicine, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria.

 

*Corresponding Author’s Email: drisahbasir@gmail.com

 

Published July 17, 2026 


ABSTRACT

Background: Infertility remains a major reproductive health challenge with profound psychosocial and cultural consequences, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, where family expectations and societal norms strongly influence women’s experiences. Understanding family dynamics, social support, and attitudes toward child adoption is essential for improving infertility care. Aim: To assess family peculiarities, social support, and acceptance of child adoption among women with infertility attending a tertiary hospital in Sokoto, northwestern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 156 women with infertility selected using systematic sampling. Data were collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire and analyzed with IBM SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the findings. Results: The respondents had a mean age of 28.3 ± 6.4 years, and over half (51.9%) were in monogamous marriages. Among women in polygamous unions, fourth wives constituted the largest proportion (51.6%). Secondary infertility was more common than primary infertility (60.7% versus 39.3%). Most respondents reported that their husbands financed infertility treatment (81.1%), while relatives were the predominant source of social support (91.0%). Despite strong family support, the majority of respondents (71.3%) were unwilling to adopt a child, while only 25.4% expressed willingness to do so. Conclusion: Acceptance of child adoption was low among women with infertility despite substantial familial and spousal support. Integrating culturally sensitive counselling on child adoption into infertility care, strengthening family-centred psychosocial support, and implementing community-based awareness programmes may improve acceptance of child adoption and enhance the overall well-being of women experiencing infertility..

 

Keywords: Infertility, Child adoption, Social support, Family structure, Nigeria

 

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