Knowledge and Practice: A Multivariate Analysis of Factors Influencing Reproductive Health among Rural Women in Southwest Nigeria

Adeoye Ojo, Shared Approach Ltd
fakunle Sunday, Obafemi Awolowo University
Joshua Olajide, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife
Desmond Olafisoye, AIDS Healthcare Foundation
Christiana Ojo, FULWOOD HALL HOSPITAL
Olayinka Babalola, University College Hospital Ibadan

Reproductive health is a fundamental aspect of human well-being that transcends geographical boundaries. Reality has indicated that Nigerian rural women face significant challenges in accessing quality reproductive healthcare, leading to a higher risk of obstetric complications, including poor maternal and infant health outcomes. This study seeks to evaluate the knowledge and practices regarding reproductive health among rural women in Southwest Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive design and a multistage sampling approach that selected a sample of 381 women of reproductive age in the study location. A paper-based questionnaire was used to collect the study data for multivariate analysis using logistic regression with SPSS software. The study found that most rural women's primary occupations were trading and farming, working in extreme poverty. The study showed that religion was 2.193 times more likely to influence women's reproductive health practices (ß=0.785, OR=2.193, CI=1.361-3.534, p<0.05). In contrast, the women had a fair knowledge of reproductive health; socio-cultural beliefs and religious sentiments were major impediments to making rational decisions for good reproductive health. The study recommends that for rural reproductive health among women to be fully achieved, enormous efforts in improving the impact of education on women's health are highly imperative.

Keywords: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Family Planning and Contraception, Fertility, Mortality and Longevity

See paper.