Involvement of Men as Partners in Enhancing Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Outcomes among Sexually Active Women in Nigeria

Abiola A. Afolabi, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Sunday Abatan, Federal University Oye-Ekiti
Ridwan Shittu, Federal University Oye-Ekiti,Ekiti State

Introduction: Involving men in Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) improves couple sexuality, reproduction, and mother, newborn, and child health. The study examined male partners' impact on sexually active Nigerian women's SRH outcomes. Methods: The 2018 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey provided nationally representative weighted data for this cross-sectional investigation. Only 14889 women who were sexually active within four weeks and did not use contraception were included in this study. We selected samples using multi-stage cluster sampling. Data were analyzed with STATA 17. Results: 86.7% support contraceptives, while 13.3% do not. The study found a significant correlation between women's age and contraceptive use (X2=174.10, p=0.0000). Women aged 15-19,20-24, and 45-49 are less likely to use modern contraceptive methods (6.1%, 20.5%, and 3.4%, respectively), while those aged 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, and 40-44 use them (29.1%, 25.5%, 20.1%, and 8.5%, respectively Higher education substantially correlated with sex negotiation freedom (X2=1636.79,p=0.0000). SRH results were substantially linked to partner authorization to use contraceptives (X2=3050.30, p=0.0000), while coercion to use contraceptives was related to poorer outcomes. SRH outcomes were considerably better for women earning more than their husbands/partners (X2=107.50, p=0.0000). Conclusion: Better education, career prospects, and men's sexual and reproductive health can improve women's SRH results.

Keywords: Data and Methods, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Family Planning and Contraception, Fertility

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