KNOWLEDGE, OPINION AND ATTITUDE OF HOUSEHOLD HEADS ABOUT REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RIGHT IN SOUTH WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF OYO STATE

Abstract

Reproductive Health Rights (RHRs) comprise two broad human rights namely, the rights to reproductive health and reproductive self determination which are expected to be made legally applicable in all countries. Nigeria is a signatory to conventions on RHRs. Although Household Heads (HHs) are keys to the observance of RHRs at the home, there is no documented information on knowledge, opinion and attitude of HHs on RHRs that can inform appropriate decisions on their local application. The objective orf this studs was to describe the knowledge. opinion and attitude of HHs on RHRs in lbadan South West Local Government Area. The study design was descriptive, exploratory and Cross-Sectional. A multistage sampling technique was used in selecting 423 HHs in the twelve political wards in the LGA. Instruments for data collection were focus group discussion (FGD) guide and semi -structured questionnaire were pretested. In all, six FGDs were conducted while 423 copies of questionnaire addressing respondents' knowledge, opinion and attitude on twelve RHRs and reproductive health issues Including son preference. child hawking and violence against women were administered by trained Research Assistants. Survey respondents comprised 75 2% males and 24.8% females. whose ages ranged from 20 and 82 years. (SD ± 11.18). Of the twelve the RHRs, the rights to health (58.4%) and deciding the number and spacing of children (29.1%), were well known. Majority (81.8%) did not know of RHRs laws and conventions and this was similar with the findings in the FGDs. RH issues perceived as important for inclusion in the bill on RHRs in Nigeria include Employment and prompt payment (99.1%), Health as a right (98.3%), Sexuality education in the school setting (97.6%), Birth control (95.7%), Rape (93.1%) and Battery during pregnancy (92.0%) Although, opinions were split along gender lines on the inclusion of polyandry (51 9% males, 44.8% females) polygyny (34.0% males. 23.9% females) and marital rape (47.5% males, 42.9 % females), the differences were not significant (p> 0.05). However, significant gender differences (p< 0.05) were found on son preference (50% males, 62.9% females) and child hawking (74.5% males, 62.9% females). Majority of respondents expressed favorable attitude towards the adoption of the rights to health (98.1%). consent to marriage (94.3%), education and information on reproductive health (94.1%), minimum standard of living adequate for health and well being (94.6%), prevention from torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment (92.4%) and deciding the number and spacing of children (86.3%) as part of RHRs in Nigeria. Suggested measures to ensure compliance to RHRs include responsible governance (41.8%) and public enlightenment (40.8%). In conclusion, the level of knowledge of RHRs, its laws and conventions among respondents are low. Opinion is less favourable towards the inclusion of issues that border on deep cultural practices in a bill on RHRs. There is the need for awareness and sensitization program towards the adoption and observance of RHRs in Nigeria.