The Socio-Cultural Impact of Childlessness on Married Couples

A study of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District

Abstract

Childlessness remains a significant global concern, particularly in Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, where it is associated with illness, drug use, lifestyle choices, and biological infertility. This study investigates the sociocultural impacts of childlessness on marriage, emphasizing psychological trauma, social exclusion, and marital instability. Guided by feminist theories by Mary Wollstonecraft (1792) and Betty Friedan (1963), the study utilized purposive and stratified sampling techniques. A sample of 350 respondents was drawn from a population of 1,894,000 using the SurveyMonkey sample size formula. Primary and secondary data were collected and analyzed using Chi-Square statistical methods. The findings revealed a significant relationship between childlessness and both alcohol/smoking habits (χ² = 12.92 > 9.49, p < 0.05) and the intake of orthodox medicine (χ² = 73.86 > 9.49, p < 0.05). These results indicate that lifestyle and treatment approaches influence reproductive outcomes. The study recommends targeted public health education, responsible health-seeking behaviours, and joint medical consultations by couples to reduce stigma and improve fertility outcomes.