KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS OF REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS AMONG FEMALE POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF IBADAN, NIGERIA

Abstract

Reproductive health is an important component of health which many people do not enjoy optimally. Studies have shown that the reproductive health of female is compromised by Reproductive Rights [RRs] violations in sub-saharan African. In the knowledge and perception of Female Postgraduate Students [FPGS] related to issues. Therefore, the knowledge and perceptions of reproductive rights among FPGS of the university of Ibadan were assessed. The study was a cross-sectional survey of 480 FPGS in three female halls in the University. A validated questionnaire which contained a 20-point knowledge scale was used for data collection while eight in-Depth Interviews [IDI] were conducted with the aid of an IDI guide. Thematic approach was used for the analysis of the IDI while the quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and ANOVA. Respondents’ mean age was 29.7±6.4 years and 75.4% were singles. Sixty-seven percent of the respondents had heard about RRs with the mass media constituting their major sources of information (54.2%). Respondents’ mean knowledge score was 3.3±2.9 while the mean knowledge score of respondents’ based on their previous level of education were bachelors degree (3.1±2.9). post-graduate diploma (1.0±0.0)masters (4.0±2.9) and doctorate 5.0±0.0 was (p<0.05). The mean knowledge score by age group were not significantly different. There was however a significant difference in the mean score by marital status as followers: married (3.3±2.4). divorced (7.5±0.0) widowed (2.0±1.5) and single 3.2±3.0 (p<0.05).These results imply that level of education and marital status influence women’s knowledge of RRs. The main RRs mentioned by the respondents include the right to decide the number of children one would have (23.8%). Bodily autonomy (16.9%), consent to marriage (14.4%) and access to family planning services (14.4%). Fifty-one percent of the respondents were not aware of any form of RRs violations. The mentioned Reproductive rights ‘ violations included violence against women (36.5%). Male child preference (14.4%) and forced abortion (5.0%) Respondents’ opinion in respect of the ultimate decision maker relating to utilization antenatal services included both husband and wife (81.3%). wife only (17.9%) and husband only (0.4%) Sixty-six percent of the respondents were opposed to married women’s right to bodily autonomy while 77.3% rejected the idea that a wife on her own could access family planning services. Majority of the respondents (77.9%) were of the belief that RR enforcement would not lead women to disrespect their husbands or be promiscuous (78.5%). Most of the IDI participants were against making marital rape an offence punishable by law. All the IDI participants saw gender equality as unrealistic. The respondents had positive attitudinal disposition towards reproductive right despite their knowledge deficit. Public enlightenment programmer on reproductive right are strongly recommended using multiple intervention approaches.