1.1 Introduction
The issue of birth is a global phenomenon because infant births and deaths represent the major health problem in developing countries of the world. Increase in births is however, widely accepted as one of the most useful measures of determining the health status of a community, state or country. It is one of the most important aspects of planning a good economy in our country.
This is why the national policy on health laid much emphasis on primary health care delivery. Many physicians have undertaken researchers on causes of increase in population and made possible suggestions on how to differentiate the pattern of mortality rate between sexes by their sex ratios. Sex ratio therefore, is the number of male per 100 females in a population. A sex ratio of 100 means equality of males and females, a sex ratio above 100 means that, there are more females than males, when it is less than 100 indicates that there are more males than females and the varies widely among countries of the world at birth.
In a study conducted by Okorafor and Ogum (1977), an attempt was made to establish preliminary figures regarding the level of the sex ratio at birth in the former Anambra and the Imo state of Nigeria using the available data at that period, which included the number of children born each year by sex, division of origin, and type of institution in which the birth occurred, as recorded by the statistics unit of the Ministry of health, Imo State; covering the year 1971 through 1974 Data extracted from the vital registration records at the ministry of the Local government and social development, Imo State, and the data extracts from all hospital and maternity home concerning the number of births which occurred in them during the period 1973-1975. The study did not reach any definite conclusion regarding the level of sex ratio at births in the two states rather, the analysis pointed to the following conclusions.
- Sex ratio based on registered births tends to be sex selective in favor of males and have to be unusually high.
- Sex ratio based on the partial returns made by the various health institutions to the ministry of health and
- The overall sex ratio of 106.2 obtained from hospitals and Maternity home in Imo state for the period of 1973-1975 tends to suggest that the sex ratio in this area many not be as low as the figure of 103 which the ECA recommended.
But, techniques of evaluations of basic demographic data was expressed about the sex ratio at birth, as the validity of the low sex ratio estimated on the basis of enumeration of infants and child population which will be questioned, but perhaps a through study of the problem would worth while be confirmed or contracted.
1.2 Statement of Problem
There has been this belief over the years that there is increase in female births than that of males. Hence, the focus of this study is to find out whether childbirth increases among females than males in the years under study. (2004 – 2007).
1.3 Aims and Objectives of Study
The aims and objectives of the study include:
- To compare the births among the years
- To determine the sex ratios at the period under review.
- To compare the sex ratios with theoretical values.
- To make appropriate recommendations based on analysis.
1.4 Significant of Study
The significance of the research work includes:
- It will provide a practical approach of health insurance programme planners over thee nature, pattern and rates of births within Imo State.
- It will educate people on how sex radios vary between the sexes.
- It will also assist the government in planning efficient medical programme in the Country.
1.5 Definition of Terms
Birth Rate:
This is the number of birth to children given by a woman in a given year.
Demography:
This is the study of statistics of human population, their structures and distribution by age, set, marital status and dynamic aspect (births, deaths and migration) of an area or a country.
Rate:
This is referred to as the frequency of demographic events in a population in a specified time period.
Population:
This is referred to a group of objectives, animate or inanimate of the same characteristics that are subjected to study.
Fertility:
This is referred to the actual reproductive performance of a population.
Migration:
This is the movement of people from one area to another.
Immigration:
This is referred to dominators in a particular area. Increases population rates.
Neonate:
This is referred to a new born baby in its first 28 days.
Registration:
This is the record keeping of events that took place immediately after occurrence. For instance, the registration of babies after birth.
Sex Ratio:
This is referee to the number of males per 100 females in a population.
Data:
This is referred to the facts or information used in deciding or discussing of issues and observations to be obtained in experimental variables to be considered.
1.6 Limitation of the Study
A large area of study would have comparably allowed for an in dept study and analysis of this research, but factors such a time and finance could not be defected. There is lack of adequate records keeping by the hospital which made the retrieval of information very difficult, unidentified records of births outside the hospital made the reports of births inaccurate.
