The attitudes of couples toward child adoption
practices have been indeptly investigated by researchers. There are lacks in current information
concerning the issue as only a few empirical studies related to the issues have
published.
A survey carried out by government in the United Kingdom
shows a decline in the practice of adoption by 4% in 1999 as only 220 children
were adopted compared with 27,000 adopted in 1968. Ezugwu, Obi and Onah (2002)
conducted their study in three tertiary care centers in
south eastern Nigeria
and knowledge, attitudes and practice of child adoption among infertile couple. Questionnaires were administered on 279 infertile
women. Out of 264 questionnaire analyzed 228(86.4%) of the respondents were
aware of adoption, only 72(27.3%) knew the correct meaning
Oladokun et al, (2009)
carried out the study using three
communities in Ibadan, Oyo State using interview and focus group discussion
with 12 groups and 10
participants each discussion
with 12
groups and 10 participants each of married men and women
between the age of 20-45 years. The study revealed that all the
participants have heard about adoption
and were able to defined it., however, the definition of adoption by the male
participants was not different form
female counterparts but with some
misconception as they opined that the
adopted child should have attained a particular
age.
The study further reveals gender different in
the perception and acceptance of
adoption 1/3 of the female group view adoption as the last hope for childless
while the remaining 2/3
said adoption was not a big deal and sees it as alternative for
infertile couples as it will serve to
comfort them. Their male counterparts said
they dislike adoption as the people in their community may not have a good
attitude towards them.
Ezugwu et al, (2002) reported that 183(69.3%) of the
respondents were unwilling to adopt a child and gave the following reasons,
adoption is not a solution to their infertility (84 respondents). adoption
psychologically unacceptable (78 respondents).
Fear of unknown parental background (75) and abnormal behaviour in the
child. The analysis showed six factors significantly associated with farvoruable attitude to child adoption, a correct knowledge of the meaning
of adoption, duration of infertility greater than l5 years, previous orthodox
specialist treatment, tubal infertility, no living child, and maternal age
greater than 35 years.
Araoye (2003), pointed out that child
adoption is not a popular alternatives to infertility among Nigeria couples.
Yet Olandokun et al, (2009) stated that the benefits mentioned by couples
include temporal consolation for childlessness so they do not feel lonely or
feel the impact of being childless. It Prevents
thuggery or prostitution and can bring good luck to the family as the child can
become some one great in future. The study agreed with Araye’s.
The unpopularity of adoption was due to several
factors hindering the process in the community. The focus groups enumerated the
following: topping the list was cultural belief, followed by attitude of health
workers, poverty, non acceptance of the family of the husband or wife who
prefer marrying another person rather than adopt a child as well as
disagreement between couples, long procedure in the adoption process, and lack
of enlightenment of Child adoption.