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Aboagye RG, Ahinkorah BO, Seidu AA, Frimpong JB, Adu C, Hagan JE, Ahmed SAE, Yaya S. Female genital mutilation and safer sex negotiation among women in sexual unions in sub-Saharan Africa: Analysis of demographic and health survey data. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299034. [PMID: 38758930 PMCID: PMC11101093 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The practice of female genital mutilation is associated with harmful social norms promoting violence against girls and women. Various studies have been conducted to examine the prevalence of female genital mutilation and its associated factors. However, there has been limited studies conducted to assess the association between female genital mutilation and markers of women's autonomy, such as their ability to negotiate for safer sex. In this study, we examined the association between female genital mutilation and women's ability to negotiate for safer sex in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). METHODS We pooled data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted from 2010 to 2020. Data from a sample of 50,337 currently married and cohabiting women from eleven sub-Saharan African countries were included in the study. A multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association between female genital mutilation and women's ability to refuse sex and ask their partners to use condom. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to present the findings of the logistic regression analysis. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS Female genital mutilation was performed on 56.1% of women included in our study. The highest and lowest prevalence of female genital mutilation were found among women from Guinea (96.3%) and Togo (6.9%), respectively. We found that women who had undergone female genital mutilation were less likely to refuse sex from their partners (aOR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.86, 0.96) and ask their partners to use condoms (aOR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.78, 0.86) compared to those who had not undergone female genital mutilation. CONCLUSION Female genital mutilation hinders women's ability to negotiate for safer sex. It is necessary to implement health education and promotion interventions (e.g., decision making skills) that assist women who have experienced female genital mutilation to negotiate for safer sex. These interventions are crucial to enhance sexual health outcomes for these women. Further, strict enforcement of policies and laws aimed at eradicating the practice of female genital mutilation are encouraged to help contribute to the improvement of women's reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Gyan Aboagye
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Family and Community Health, Fred N. Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Bright Opoku Ahinkorah
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- REMS Consultancy Services Limited, Sekondi-Takoradi, Western Region, Ghana
| | - Abdul-Aziz Seidu
- REMS Consultancy Services Limited, Sekondi-Takoradi, Western Region, Ghana
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Services, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Gender and Advocacy, Takoradi Technical University, Takoradi, Ghana
| | - James Boadu Frimpong
- Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
- Department of Kinesiology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, United States of America
| | - Collins Adu
- Department of Health Promotion, Education and Disability Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Centre for Social Research in Health, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - John Elvis Hagan
- Department of Health, Physical Education and Recreation, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
- Neurocognition and Action-Biomechanics-Research Group, Faculty of Psychology and Sport Sciences, Bielefeld University, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Salma A. E. Ahmed
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sanni Yaya
- School of International Development and Global Studies, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- The George Institute for Global Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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Chipako I, Singhal S, Hollingsworth B. Impact of sexual and reproductive health interventions among young people in sub-Saharan Africa: a scoping review. Front Glob Womens Health 2024; 5:1344135. [PMID: 38699461 PMCID: PMC11063325 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2024.1344135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this scoping review was to identify and provide an overview of the impact of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) interventions on reproductive health outcomes among young people in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods Searches were carried out in five data bases. The databases were searched using variations and combinations of the following keywords: contraception, family planning, birth control, young people and adolescents. The Cochrane risk-of-bias 2 and Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies-of-Interventions tools were used to assess risk of bias for articles included. Results Community-based programs, mHealth, SRH education, counselling, community health workers, youth friendly health services, economic support and mass media interventions generally had a positive effect on childbirth spacing, modern contraceptive knowledge, modern contraceptive use/uptake, adolescent sexual abstinence, pregnancy and myths and misperceptions about modern contraception. Conclusion Sexual and reproductive health interventions have a positive impact on sexual and reproductive health outcomes. With the increasing popularity of mHealth coupled with the effectiveness of youth friendly health services, future youth SRH interventions could integrate both strategies to improve SRH services access and utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Chipako
- Health Economics and Policy Department, Division of Health Research Graduate College, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Saurabh Singhal
- Economics Department, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Bruce Hollingsworth
- Health Economics and Policy Department, Division of Health Research Graduate College, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
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Alemu DG, Haile ZT, Wachira E, Conserve D. Female Circumcision and Sexual Negotiation Ability of Ethiopian Women. Violence Against Women 2024:10778012241228300. [PMID: 38281967 DOI: 10.1177/10778012241228300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
The following study attempts to assess the link between the circumcision status of Ethiopian women and their ability to negotiate sex. From the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey, we analyzed a subsample of 3,445 women aged 15 to 49. Women's sexual negotiation ability was measured by their ability to ask for condom and their ability to refuse sex. We performed a univariate, bivariate, and multiple logistic regression analysis. In the final analysis, only education, residence, media access, and sexually transmitted infections knowledge were independently associated with the sexual negotiation ability of women. Circumcision status was not associated with sexual negotiation ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawit G Alemu
- Department of Social Medicine, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Zelalem T Haile
- Department of Social Medicine, Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ohio University, Dublin, OH, USA
| | - Elizabeth Wachira
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Texas A & M University-commerce, Commerce, TX, USA
| | - Donaldson Conserve
- Department of Prevention and Community Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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Appiah-Effah E, Boakye K, Salihu T, Duku GA, Fenteng JOD, Boateng G, Appiah F, Nyarko KB. Determinants of Open Defecation Among Rural Women in Ghana: Analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2024; 18:11786302241226774. [PMID: 38269144 PMCID: PMC10807390 DOI: 10.1177/11786302241226774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Open defecation continuously remains a major global sanitation challenge, contributing to an estimated 1.6 million deaths per year. Ghana ranks second in Africa for open defecation and had the fourth-lowest sanitation coverage in 2010. Evidence indicates that about 32% of the rural Ghanaian population still practice open defecation due to lack of access to basic sanitation facilities, drifting the country from achieving universal access to sanitation by 2030. Women, particularly those in rural areas, are disproportionately affected by open defecation, facing heightened health risks, harassment, and a loss of dignity. Even though previous studies on open defecation in Ghana exist, they lack national representation and neglect women in rural residents who are disproportionally affected by the repercussions of open defecation. Examining that rural women will contribute to heightening their own vulnerability to health risks by practising open defecation is essential to bridging the literature gap on open defecation practices among rural women. The study investigated determinants of open defecation among rural women in Ghana using data from the female files of the 2003, 2008 and 2014 Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). A total of 4,284 rural women with complete information on variables of interest were included in the study. The outcome variable was 'open defecation', whilst 14 key explanatory variables (e.g., age, education, wealth status, among others) were used. Two logistic regression models were built, and the outputs were reported in odds ratio. Descriptively, 42 in every 100 women aged 15 to 49 practiced open defecation (n = 1811, 95% CI = 49-52). Open defecation (OD) significantly correlated with educational attainment, wealth status, religion, access to mass media, partner's education, and zone of residence. The likelihood of practicing open defecation reduced among those with formal education [aOR = 0.69, CI = 0.56-0.85], those whose partners had formal education [aOR = 0.64, CI = 0.52-0.80], women in the rich wealth quintile [aOR = 0.12, CI = 0.07-0.20], the traditionalist [aOR = 0.33, CI = 0.19-0.57], and those who had access to mass media [aOR = 0.70, CI = 0.57-0.85]. Residents in the Savannah zone had higher odds of openly defecating [aOR = 21.06, CI = 15.97-27.77]. The prevalence of open defecation is disproportionately pro-poor, which indicates that impoverished rural women are more likely to perform it. Public health initiatives should aim to close the rich-poor divide in OD practice among rural women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Appiah-Effah
- Regional Water and Environmental Sanitation Centre, Kumasi (RWESCK), Department of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Kingsley Boakye
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Tarif Salihu
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Godwin Armstrong Duku
- Regional Water and Environmental Sanitation Centre, Kumasi (RWESCK), Department of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | - George Boateng
- Department of Social Science, Berekum College of Education, Berekum, Ghana
| | - Francis Appiah
- School of Public Health, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
- Department of Population and Health, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
- Department of Social Science, Berekum College of Education, Berekum, Ghana
| | - Kwabena Biritwum Nyarko
- Regional Water and Environmental Sanitation Centre, Kumasi (RWESCK), Department of Civil Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
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Okunlola DA, Alawode OA, Awoleye AF, Ilesanmi BB. Internet use, exposure to digital family planning messages, and sexual agency among partnered women in Northern Nigeria: implications for digital family planning intervention. Sex Reprod Health Matters 2023; 31:2261681. [PMID: 37870143 PMCID: PMC10595375 DOI: 10.1080/26410397.2023.2261681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Digital health interventions are gaining ground in conflict-affected countries, but studies on their reproductive health benefits for women are scanty. Focusing on conflict-affected northern Nigeria, this study examined the relationships between Internet use, exposure to digital family planning messages via text messages or social media, and sexual agency - measured as the ability to refuse sex and ask a male partner to use a condom - among partnered women including the rural-urban differentials. Partnered women's data (n= 18,205) from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey were analysed using descriptive and multinomial logistic regression analyses. 44.6% of women are able to refuse sex, and 31.4% to ask a male partner to use a condom. Internet use was positively associated with women's ability to refuse sex in the northern region and urban areas, and across the region to ask a male partner to use a condom. It was also positively associated with women's uncertainty about asking a male partner to use a condom. Exposure to digital family planning messages was positively associated with women's ability to ask a male partner to use a condom across the region, in both urban and rural areas. However, exposure to digital family planning messages was negatively associated with women's uncertainty in urban areas about their ability to refuse sex. Implications of these findings for digital family planning interventions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Aduragbemi Okunlola
- Doctoral student, Department of Sociology, College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA. Correspondence:
| | - Oluwatobi Abel Alawode
- Doctoral student, Department of Sociology and Criminology & Law, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Abayomi Folorunso Awoleye
- Research Officer, Department of Demography and Social Statistics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
| | - Benjamin Bukky Ilesanmi
- Research Officer, Department of Demography and Social Statistics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria
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Amoak D, Konkor I, Mohammed K, Saaka SA, Antabe R. Exposure to mass media family planning messages among men in Nigeria: analysis of the Demographic and Health Survey data. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15391. [PMID: 37273544 PMCID: PMC10237178 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Family planning (FP) is essential for improving health and achieving reproductive goals. Although men are important participants in FP decision-making within households in Nigeria, a country with one of the highest rates of maternal mortality, we know very little about their exposure to mass media FP messages. Methods Drawing theoretical insights from the structural influence model of health communication and using the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (n = 13,294), and applying logistic regression analysis, we explored the factors associated with men's exposure to mass media FP messages in Nigeria. Results A range of socioeconomic, locational, and demographic factors were associated with men's exposure to mass media FP messages. For example, wealthier, more educated, and employed men were more likely to be exposed to mass media FP messages than their poorer, less educated, and unemployed counterparts. In addition, compared to those in rural areas and other regions, men in urban areas as well as South East Region, were more likely to be exposed to mass media FP messages. Finally, younger men and those who belong to the traditional religion were less likely to be exposed to mass media FP messages, compared to their older and Christian counterparts. Conclusions Based on these findings, we discuss implications and recommendations for policymakers as well as directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Amoak
- University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Roger Antabe
- University of Toronto, Scarborough, Ontario, Canada
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Haile ZT, Woldu DO, Wachira E, Alemu DG. Association between premarital HIV testing and ability to negotiate sexual relations among married women in Ethiopia: a population-based study. AIDS Care 2023:1-8. [PMID: 37216612 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2023.2215529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
HIV/AIDS prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa remains an issue of concern and young women are disproportionately affected by the disease. Premarital HIV testing is one of the key strategies used in HIV prevention since heterosexual sex remains the primary mode of HIV transmission in sub-Saharan Africa. This study uses the 2016 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Survey to examine the association between premarital HIV testing and the ability to negotiate sexual relations among married women aged 15 to 49 years (N = 3,672). Women's ability to negotiate sexual relations was measured using two variables: the ability to refuse sex and the ability to ask for a condom during intercourse. Descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Only 24.1% of the women had premarital HIV testing. Approximately 46.5% and 32.3% of women reported that they could refuse sexual intercourse and ask their partner to use a condom, respectively. In the multivariable model, having a premarital HIV test was positively associated with the ability to refuse sex odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 1.82 (1.38, 2.41; p < 0.001) and the ability to ask for a condom 2.30 (1.55, 3.41; p < 0.001). Premarital HIV testing can improve women's sexual negotiation ability and possibly prevent future HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zelalem T Haile
- Department of Social Medicine, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dublin, USA
| | - Dawit Okubatsion Woldu
- College of Human Sciences and Humanities, Department of Anthropology and Cross-cultural Studies, University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, USA
| | - Elizabeth Wachira
- Department of Health and Human Services, Texas A&M University-Commerce, Commerce, USA
| | - Dawit G Alemu
- Department of Social Medicine, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dublin, USA
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Sexual violence and self-reported sexually transmitted infections among women in sub-Saharan Africa. J Biosoc Sci 2023; 55:292-305. [PMID: 35193714 DOI: 10.1017/s0021932022000062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Sexual violence has proven to be associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We examined the association between sexual violence and self-reported STIs (SR-STIs) among women in sexual unions in 15 sub-Saharan African countries. This was a cross-sectional study involving the analysis of data from the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) from 15 countries in SSA. A total sample of 65,392 women in sexual unions were included in the final analysis. A multilevel binary logistic regression analysis was carried out and the results were presented using adjusted odds ratios (aOR) at 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Women who experienced sexual violence in the last 12 months were more likely to self-report STIs compared to those who did not experience sexual violence [aOR = 1.76, 95% CI = 1.59-1.94]. Compared to women in Angola, those who were in Mali, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda, and Liberia were more likely to self-report STIs while those in Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Ethiopia, Malawi, Rwanda, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe were less likely to self-report STIs. The study has revealed variations in the country level regarding the prevalence of sexual violence and SR-STI in the last 12 months among women in sexual unions in the selected countries. This study has demostrated that sexual violence in the last 12 months is associated with SR-STIs among women in sexual unions. Moreover, factors that predict SR-STIs were observed in this study. Policymakers and agencies that matter could consider the factors identified in this study when designing policies or strengthening existing ones to tackle STIs among women in SSA. To accelerate the progress towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3, its imperative efforts and interventions must be intensified in SSA to reduce sexual violence which will go a long way to reduce SR-STIs among women.
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Solanke BL, Kupoluyi JA, Awoleye AF, Adewole OE, Babalola OB. Women's ability to negotiate safer sex with partners by contraceptive status among a nationally representative sample of married women in Nigeria. Contracept Reprod Med 2023; 8:17. [PMID: 36855163 PMCID: PMC9976491 DOI: 10.1186/s40834-023-00214-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing studies established that safer sex negotiation influences contraceptive use, and women who are able to negotiate safer sex were expected to be contraceptive users. However, it is not certain that all contraceptive users have the ability to negotiate safer sex. Likewise, there is no evidence that all non-users are not able to negotiate safer sex with partners. The study assesses the prevalence of women's ability to negotiate safer sex and examines the determinants of women's ability to negotiate safer sex among contraceptive users and non-users. METHODS The comparative cross-sectional research design was adopted. Data were extracted from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. The study analyzed a sample of 2,765 contraceptive users and 20,304 non-users. The outcome variable was women's ability to negotiate safer sex with partners. The explanatory variables examined are eight socio-demographic characteristics (age, child marriage, education, parity, media exposure, religion, work status, and experience of female genital mutilation), six relational characteristics (healthcare autonomy, financial autonomy, household wealth quintile, partners' education, ownership of assets, and type of marriage). Attitude to wife-beating, male controlling behavior, place of residence, and geo-political zone of residence were included as control variables. Multivariable regression models were estimated. RESULTS Findings showed that 6.2% of women who were not able to negotiate safer sex were contraceptive users, while 15.9% of women who were able to negotiate safer sex were contraceptive users. Among non-users, the significant determinants were child marriage, education, parity, mass media exposure, religion, work status, healthcare autonomy, financial autonomy, household wealth, partner education, type of marriage, geo-political zone, attitude to wife-beating, and male controlling behavior. Regarding contraceptive users, the significant determinants were parity, religion, the experience of female genital mutilation, financial autonomy, partner education, type of marriage, and the geo-political zone of residence. CONCLUSION The ability to negotiate safer sex differs among contraceptive users and non-users. Also, the determinants of the ability to negotiate safer sex differ among contraceptive users and non-users. While existing strategies may continue to focus on women not using contraceptives, new strategies promoting reproductive autonomy are required among contraceptive users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bola Lukman Solanke
- Department of Demography and Social Statistics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
| | - Joseph Ayodeji Kupoluyi
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Department of Demography and Social Statistics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Abayomi Folorunso Awoleye
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Department of Demography and Social Statistics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Olusola Esther Adewole
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
| | - Oyeyemi Bukola Babalola
- grid.10824.3f0000 0001 2183 9444Department of Psychology, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
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Nepal A, Dangol SK, Karki S, Shrestha N. Factors that determine women's autonomy to make decisions about sexual and reproductive health and rights in Nepal: A cross-sectional study. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0000832. [PMID: 36962954 PMCID: PMC10022137 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Women's autonomy on sexual and reproductive health issues is critical to women's health and well-being. Women have the right to decide on their fertility and sexuality, be free from coercion and violence, and achieve well-being. This study has identified women's autonomy regarding decision and exercise of their sexual reproductive health and rights and its association with determining factors in Nepal. Descriptive and analytical statistics such as bivariate and multivariate regression analysis were performed using data from Nepal Demographic and Health Survey 2016. The survey collected data from 12,862 women of reproductive age groups i.e. 15-49 years. However, for this study, we analyzed the data of only ever-married women and they were 9,875 in total. The analysis showed that women's autonomy in exercising their sexual reproductive health rights is highly associated with media exposure after controlling demographic variables. The frequency of exposure to media (i. less than a week: adjusted odds ratio (AOR):1.383; confidence interval (CI):1.145-1.670, p<0.001, ii. at least once a week: AOR:1.657; CI:1.359-2.021, p<0.001) is positively associated with women's autonomy. Furthermore, factors like women from Janajati (AOR:1.298; CI:1.071-1.576, p<0.01) and other Terai ethnic groups (AOR:1.471; CI:1.160-1.866, p<0.01), higher education attainment (AOR:1.482; CI:1.164-1.888, p<0.01), richest wealth quintile (AOR:1.527; CI:1.151-2.026, p<0.01), paid work (AOR:1.277; CI:1.045-1.561, p<0.05) and living in Lumbini Province (AOR:0.622; CI:0.486-0.797, p<0.001) and Sudur Paschim Province (AOR:0.723; CI:0.554-0.944, p<0.05) were found to be significantly associated with women's autonomy in sexual and reproductive health decision making. Similarly, women's autonomy is also increased with their increased age. In conclusion, women's exposure to media, improved socio-economic status and increased age influence their autonomy to make decisions about sexual and reproductive health rights in Nepal. Therefore, this study underscores the need to address socio-economic barriers and improve women's exposure to the media to enhance their autonomy further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adweeti Nepal
- Health Programme, CARE Nepal, Lalitpur, Bagmati Province, Nepal
| | | | - Sujan Karki
- Institute for Population and Social Research, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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Abstract
Women's ability to negotiate for safer sex has effects on their sexual and reproductive health. This study investigated the association between safer sex negotiation and parity among women in sub-Saharan Africa. The data were sourced from the Demographic and Health Surveys of 28 sub-Saharan African countries conducted from 2010 to 2019. A total of 215,397 women aged 15-49 were included in the study. Multilevel logistic analysis was conducted to examine the association between safer sex negotiation and parity among women in sub-Saharan Africa. The results were presented as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and the significance level set at p<0.05. The overall prevalences of safer sex negotiation and high parity among women in sub-Saharan Africa were 82.7% and 52.1%, respectively. The prevalence of high parity ranged from 32.3% in Chad to 72.1% in Lesotho. The lowest prevalence of safer sex negotiation was in Chad (16.8%) while the highest prevalence was recorded in Rwanda (99.7%). Women who had the capacity to negotiate for safer sex were less likely to have high parity compared with those who had no capacity to negotiate for safer sex (aOR = 0.78, CI: 0.75-0.81). Other factors that were associated with high parity were age, educational level, marital status, exposure to media, contraceptive use, religion, wealth quintile, sex of household head, and place of residence. The study identified significant association between safer sex negotiation and high parity among women of reproductive age in sub-Saharan Africa. It is worth noting that women's ability to negotiate for safer sex could reduce high parity among women in sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, policies and programmes aimed at birth control or reducing high parity among women could be targeted at improving their capacity to negotiate for safer sex through education.
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Multi-level predictors of sexual autonomy among married women in Nigeria. BMC Womens Health 2022; 22:114. [PMID: 35413895 PMCID: PMC9003154 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-022-01699-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extant studies have established diverse individual-level and relational-level predictors of sexual autonomy among women in different countries. However, information remains scanty about the predictors beyond the individual and relational levels particularly at the community level. This study examined the multi-level predictors of sexual autonomy in Nigeria. This was done to shed more light on the progression toward attaining women-controlled safe sex in Nigeria. METHODS This study adopted a cross-sectional design that utilised the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) data. The study analysed responses from 8,558 women. The outcome variable was sexual autonomy, while the explanatory variables were individual-level (maternal age group, maternal education, nature of first marriage, parity, work status, religion, and media exposure), relational-level (spousal violence, type of marriage, spousal living arrangement, household wealth quintile, alcoholic consumption, family decision-making, and degree of marital control), and community-level characteristics (community residency type, geographic region, community literacy, female financial inclusion in community, female ownership of assets in community, and community rejection of wife-beating). Statistical analyses were performed using Stata version 14. The multilevel regression analysis was applied. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS Findings showed that parity, nature of first marriage, maternal education, media exposure, work status, and religion were significant individual-level predictors, while spousal violence, degree of marital control, type of marriage, family decision-making, and household wealth quintile were significant relational-level predictors of sexual autonomy. Results further showed that community-level characteristics also significantly predicted sexual autonomy. The likelihood of sexual autonomy was lower among rural women (aOR = 0.433; 95% CI 0.358-0.524), while the odds of sexual autonomy were higher among Southern women (aOR = 3.169; 95% CI 2.594-3.871), women who live in high literate communities (aOR = 3.446; 95% CI 3.047-3.897), women who reside in communities with high female financial inclusion (aOR = 3.821; 95% CI 3.002-4.864), and among women who live in communities with high female ownership of assets (aOR = 1.907; 95% CI 1.562-2.327). CONCLUSION Women's sexual autonomy was predicted by factors operating beyond the individual and relational levels. Existing sexual health promotion strategies targeting individual and relational factors in the country should be modified to adequately incorporate community-level characteristics. This will enhance the prospect of women-controlled safe sex in Nigeria.
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