Methodology: The study involved the joint participation of The Centre for Development and Population Activities, Country Women Association (COWAN) and of the Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) in Ondo and Plateau States, respectively. The study design was quasi-experimental. The RH/ D&G linkage study was conducted in four COWAN local government areas (LGAs) in Ondo and Ekiti States and four COCIN LGAs the Plateau State. One community had both RH and D&G activities; two communities in each study area had either RH or D&G activities; and the fourth community in each study area served as control. Catchment area maps were developed to delineate geographic boundaries within which the linkages between RH and D&G were assessed and analyzed. The study represented the baseline survey of a random sample of women of reproductive age (15-49 years) in the four LGAs of both study areas. The survey instrument included questions on reproductive health KAPB, as well as questions pertaining to knowledge of human rights and levels of civic participation and empowerment.
Results: Findings clearly showed that programs linking family planning/reproductive health activities with D/G activities were more effective in increasing use of family planning services than non-linked programs, as demonstrated by COWAN’s integrated RH activities, which included community-based distribution (CBD) of socially marketed contraceptives as well as D&G interventions, and by COCIN’s D&G programs expanded to include clinic and community based RH interventions.
Learning Objectives: During this session, the presenter will present research done to determine the impact of combining reproductive health education and services and democracy and governance activities on reproductive health KAPB of women of reproductive age. The study presented also looked at cultural norms affecting traditional roles and factors that influence women’s decision making; influential others (mothers, mother-in-laws, traditional chiefs); prevailing practices (FGC, puberty rites, male dominance festivals, drinking, violence); and the age of sexual initiation, marriage
Keywords: Politics, Reproductive Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The Centre for Development and Population Activities
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment