Nuances of reproductive decisions by women in a rural community of Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Inadequate utilization of maternal health services due to limited reproductive decision-making capacity could be contributory to high maternal mortality in developing countries. This study sought to assess nuances of reproductive decisions by women in a rural community of Lagos Nigeria. METHODS: this descriptive, cross-sectional house to house survey was part of a study conducted in April 2015 on females selected from 298 households chosen based on geographical clusters by simple random sampling. The study instrument was adapted from a USAID-funded project and was interviewer-administered. Data entry and analysis were performed with the aid of Epi-info™7.0.8.3 statistical software and ethical approval was obtained for the study. RESULTS: spousal age difference was less than 10 years for about half (51.3%) of the respondents. The majority (91.6%) of the respondents had received antenatal care during pregnancy and jointly decided with their spouses on place of care. The most commonly used contraceptives were the pills (23.5%), injectables (16.8%) and condoms (13.8%). Spousal disapproval regarding the use of family planning was almost nil at 1%. Employment status as a socio-economic factor did not significantly affect respondents’ involvement in decision-making. However, there were statistically significant associations between spousal age differences and some indicators of autonomy such as respondents’ involvement in health care decisions and the determinant on choice of antenatal care provider. CONCLUSION: women’s reproductive independence and involvement in health decisions could result in reduction of maternal ill-health and mortality whilst promoting higher male involvement and better maternal health.

Keywords

• reproductive health
• decision-making
• maternal health
• spouse